For The Record

CBP Agents seize Mexican-panga boat in Malibu loaded with pot

2012-02-01T10:54:00.001-08:00

CBP agents apprehended illegal drug smugglers when they attempted to come ashore in the upscale community of Malibu. Officers immediately arrested three Mexican nationals following the interdiction when agents spotted numerous bales of marijuana.

The weekend bust made by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confiscated approximately one-and-a-half tons of weed wrapped in cellophane.

CBP stated that they were working with the California National Guard when they spotted the panga-like vessel cruising slowly along the coastline. The National Guard unit alerted Border Patrol agents and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs, who responded to the Point Dume State Beach after midnight.

According to agents on the scene, the three men who illegally entered the U.S. were arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and will face multiple charges. The weight of the marijuana totaled 2,575 pounds and an estimated street value of $1, 287, 500.

“The Department of Homeland Security has increased coastal-border security in Southern California (as) transnational criminal organizations have shifted their smuggling tactics further north into Los Angeles and Ventura Counties,” Scott E. Simon,U.S. Border Patrol Agent for the San Diego Sector Information and Communication Division said. “As a result, CBP and its partners have intensified efforts to target the illegal activity, expanding the use of marine patrols, land-based surveillance, and collaboration with the Government of Mexico.”

These multi-agency task forces are a key component to interdict maritime drug smugglers along California’s 840-mile coastline.

The CBP logged 26 unauthorized maritime smuggling attempts during fiscal year 2011 in the Los Angeles/Ventura area. So far this year, 2012, the multi-agency CBP task force has recorded 14 maritime incidents along the southern California beaches, including three in Ventura County and one in Santa Barbara County.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

La Raza to fight Congress on proposed law closing child tax credit for illegals

2012-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

Behind the scenes, National Council of La Raza continues its work to protect illegal immigrants from U.S. tax law. While the U.S. taxpayers are on the hook for $15 trillion of debt, La Raza would like to give illegals up to $1,800 in tax credits.

“In order to extend the payroll tax holiday, Congress is considering a policy this week that will devastate over five million children in immigrant families across the country by eliminating the Child Tax Credit for households who pay taxes with an Individual Tax Identification Number,” said Ali Noorani, National Immigration Forum for La Raza.

La Raza contends that Congress’ proposed new legislation will force illegal immigrants to pay $1,800 in taxes. The reality of the tax-credit loophole means most of these low-income earners will not pay more in taxes, but they will not get a refund check from the IRS.

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), they issue “Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITIN) to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA). ITINs are for federal tax reporting only, and are not intended to serve any other purpose."

In an effort to pressure lawmakers, La Raza has confirmed that a conference call is scheduled tomorrow with Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's office and other immigration experts to learn what can be done to prevent the proposed changes to the Child Tax Credit from becoming law.

“Congress is on the brink of denying this tax credit to immigrant and mixed-status families, regardless of the fact that they paid their fair share in taxes,” Noorani said. “If we take action now we can stop Congress from succumbing to divisive and hateful politics, and protect tax-paying families and their children.”

With the Obama Administration teeing up the “fair share” argument on the airwaves, La Raza is willing and able to use some of the angry political rhetoric to further their quest for a form of blanket amnesty.

“A fair economy is the talk of the nation, but some members of Congress have their ears plugged,” according to Leticia Miranda, Associate Director of the Economic and Employment Policy Project for La Raza. “Lawmakers are seriously considering raising taxes on hardworking, low-income, taxpaying families in order to pay for an extension of the payroll tax cut. Rather than asking millionaires to pay their fair share, they want to raise taxes on those who can least afford it—by blocking taxpayers who use the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from receiving the Child Tax Credit. If this policy is enacted, more than four million Latino children and their families would face greater hunger, poverty, and other severe hardships, with negative consequences for the economy today and for years to come.”

While this may be a compelling plea, the IRS makes it clear that the ITIN does not authorize work in the U.S. or provide eligibility for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credits.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

New York City -1 US Constitution-0 NYC profits from seizures of legal guns

2012-01-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

The case, New York against Mark Meckler, Tea Party Patriots co-founder; The charge, C Violent Felony of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Use; The reality, Meckler was in-transit at LaGuardia Airport and declared his fully-licensed, unloaded weapon that was stored in a TSA-approved locked case located in his luggage; The result, jail and a fine.

Meckler describes his ordeal as nothing short of a nightmare. “On December 15, I requested a firearms declaration form from the ticket agent. It was my intent to declare and check my unloaded firearm. I have a valid concealed carry permit for it issued in California.” Meckler explains that he carries a firearm after receiving several threats against his life due to his role in the Tea Party Patriots, a group that looks to limit government involvement.

Meckler’s honesty landed him a New York jail for 12 hours where he says other inmates disclosed how easy it was to own firearms without necessary paperwork.

New York’s strict gun-control regulations are ultimately responsible for Meckler’s arrest, according to his attorney Brian T. Stapleton of Goldberg and Segalla. In the end, Stapleton was able to resolve Mr. Meckler's felony charge with a non-criminal Disorderly Conduct disposition which carries a $250 fine plus attorney fees and court costs.

With the incident in Meckler’s rearview mirror, the fact remains that NYC still has his Glock 27 (New York reportedly destroys seized firearms) and New York’s exercise of confiscating weapons are a disturbing trend.

“It’s outrageous… Arresting law-abiding citizens for declaring a licensed firearm is anti-Second Amendment,” according to Stapleton.

Meckler’s attorney advised him that he could try to recover his firearm, but the $5,000-7,000 costs were no guarantee. In fact, the majority of these cases result in the state’s favor. “I am not alone in facing this tyranny. It has happened to hundreds of people in the New York metro area,” Meckler said. “My lawyer, Brian Stapleton, has handled over 400 of these cases himself, so he is an expert on the subject.”

The Calguns Foundation, a large Second Amendment organization, says this is nothing more than the politicization of those in power.

"What we have here is political extortion. The government knows it's not worth it for an individual to spend thousands of dollars and risk prosecution to fight over the return of a $500 firearm, even if they possessed the firearm lawfully. And, in many cases, the local governments know this and seize firearms to rack up a tally for federal grant money," explained Jason Davis attorney for Calguns.

Davis voiced his outrage over New York City’s conduct of superseding Federal law Sec. 926A (18 USC §926A). Interstate transportation of firearms that states, “Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.”

Other legal experts warn Americans about this disturbing anti-Second Amendment trend.

"400 cases of seizure and destruction of privately owned, licensed fire arms by the City of New York demonstrate a clear disregard for the Second Amendment, private property and due process. While there are numerous legal arguments supporting the right to keep and bear arms, prohibitions on unreasonable seizure of private property, and interference with interstate commerce, it is the audacity and arrogance of New York to think the U.S. Constitutional protections do not apply to the Port Authority. One need not be a Constitutional scholar to understand that until citizens challenge the City of New York and the Port Authority this outrageous practice will only emboldened their self-proclaimed and singular assault on the rights of Americans and hasten the erosion of our freedom from oppressive government."

In Mark Meckler’s words…

On December 15, 2011 at approximately 5:15 a.m., I was at LaGuardia International airport preparing to check in for a flight out of the city. During a routine check-in, I requested a firearms declaration form from the ticket agent. It was my intent to declare and check my unloaded firearm.

I purchased this firearm legally, and I have a valid concealed carry permit for it issued in California. The unloaded gun was locked inside a TSA-approved travel case, and the case was locked inside my checked luggage. I carry the firearm for my personal safety, having received numerous threats due to my role in the Tea Party Patriots. I have checked this firearm at airports dozens of times before, all across the country.

As I traveled through LaGuardia that morning, I passed TSA signs telling me I had the right to check this unloaded firearm in my luggage, and that I am required by law to declare the firearm to the ticketing agent. This is exactly what I did.

The ticketing agent provided me with the declaration form, and I signed it and returned it to her. She advised me that she would need to call Port Authority police to inspect. This is not unusual when traveling with a firearm. Procedures vary from airport to airport, from airline to airline, and even from day to day, and as a law-abiding citizen, I have always been happy to cooperate.

Unfortunately, that day, I didn’t realize that I was about to cross paths with New York City’s anti-Second Amendment stance. Upon showing my case and the weapon to the officer who arrived on the scene, and after a few brief questions, she advised me that she was placing me under arrest for violating New York City’s firearms laws.

To say that I was stunned would be an understatement. I am from a law enforcement family. My mother is a retired correctional officer, and I have spent my life around folks from the law enforcement community. I have always considered myself a law-abiding citizen. I have never been arrested before. I have never been in police custody. I can never say those things again. On December 15th, 2011, I was arrested, handcuffed at the ticket counter, and taken to a waiting squad car for transport to the Port Authority Police station at LaGuardia.

I was subsequently transferred, in handcuffs, to the Queens Central booking facility in New York City. I was charged with felony possession of a firearm with intent to do harm. I spent the day in Queens…in jail.

It was a nightmare that I can scarcely describe to you. Until you have felt the handcuffs on your wrists, and until you have heard that cell door close behind you, it is impossible to understand what it means to actually lose your liberty. And since that day, my liberty has been at stake, and because of that threat, based upon the advice of counsel; I’ve been unable to speak publicly about this case. Today the silence ends.

I am pleased to announce that the criminal case against me has been dropped. Although I was originally charged with a violent felony, the case against me was resolved with a plea to “disorderly conduct. ” Disorderly Conduct is not a felony or a misdemeanor, or even a crime. The facts underlying my plea are that I declared a legally purchased, properly licensed and unloaded firearm at an airport counter. Apparently, much to my surprise, in New York City, it is considered “disorderly conduct” to exercise your constitutionally guaranteed, Second Amendment rights.

Strangely, now that the case against me is over, the authorities refuse to return my firearm. There is no law that allows them to confiscate a weapon in this manner. They simply say “no” when you ask for your weapon back. This is apparently their “policy.” It is done regularly in New York. This is government robbery. Not only is New York City anti-Second Amendment rights, but they are depriving citizens of their legally owned property. My lawyer has advised me that I can attempt to pursue the return of my firearm but that to do so would cost me more than the firearm is worth. I am not alone in facing this tyranny. It has happened to hundreds of people in the New York metro area. My lawyer, Brian Stapleton, has handled over 400 of these cases himself, so he is an expert on the subject.

While the end of this case is the end of a horrible nightmare for my family and I, it is not the end of this fight. It is just the beginning. Since the original incident, I have received more emails, phone calls, texts and tweets of support than you can imagine. To those people, I want to say heart-felt thanks on behalf of my entire family. We have come to know that we are not alone in this particular fight. Apparently, this happens to hundreds of people per year in New York City. And New York City is not alone in its attack on our rights. This sort of Constitutional abuse, Second Amendment and otherwise, is taking place all over the nation. And we as citizens must stand against it. We must protect our rights, or we will lose them.

Many of you know me as someone who is willing to stand and fight for self-governance in this country. I’m no politician, and I’m not from a powerful or connected family. I’m an average American citizen. And I stand shoulder to shoulder with millions of other Americans who, despite enormous obstacles, and despite the politicians and ruling elite who oppose us, intend to return this country to the bounds of the United States Constitution.

The politicians and ruling elite will try, but we must not let them label us Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal. We cannot let them make us fight against each other. Too much is at stake. We the People are losing our sovereignty to the government. We the Peoplemust stand and fight for our inalienable rights.

I’m not alone in this fight. There are so many laws, that no one can know or understand them. We are all affected. From the inner city to the farm, from the heartland of America to the coasts, people are under pressure from a government that no longer serves them. From my home in California, to the farmland of Kansas… from the small towns of South Carolina to the metropolis of New York, every year the legislatures pass thousands of laws and regulations that do not serve the people.

The legislators don’t read the bills they pass, and even if they did, they couldn’t understand them. Our criminal justice system is terribly broken, and no longer serves the people and the communities it was intended to serve. Our regulatory system is broken; small businesses and the communities that rely on them crushed under the weight of unnecessary regulation.

We are, step by step, destroying the heart of America. And we are doing so because we are not governing ourselves according to the Constitution. It’s up to us…the People.

It’s time to stand for self-governance. It is time to stand for the plain meaning of the Constitution. Every word of the Constitution is important, and we must fight for them all. We must fight for every inch of this country, from the inner city to the smallest rural town. We are all of us, first and foremost, American citizens. We’ve always governed ourselves…and we always intend to. And we’ve always been willing to stand when freedom is at stake. It is time to stand…time for all of us, every race, every religion, every gender, every American to stand up and fight for liberty and take responsibility for governing ourselves.

No one should ever have to go through what my family has been through, simply for exercising a fundamental right, specifically enumerated in the United States Constitution. I am committed to making sure no one does. And I’m willing to work with anyone…anyone, who agrees that it’s time for people to govern themselves once again.

Will we as citizens fight for our inalienable right to govern ourselves, or will we quietly allow ourselves to be “governed” into submission by a ruling elite, disconnected from our citizens and our communities? Only history will tell, but I intend to fight.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Mexican Mafia dealt huge blow in San Diego- 100 arrested

2012-01-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

In what has been described as a huge blow to the Mexican Mafia in San Diego County, a multi-agency task force arrested more than 100 alleged members from the major Mafioso groups based near the U.S./Mexico border.

The federal indictments filed by U.S. Attorney, Laura Duffy show those arrested are charged with multiple counts including, racketeering, drug trafficking and gun smuggling.

Perhaps the biggest fish netted by this multi-agency raid were high-ranking gangsters of a prison-based gang responsible for violent acts across the county. Duffy said eight arrestees were “shot callers” responsible for selling drugs and collection of protection/taxes bribes, gun trafficking and conspiracy.

Two of those “shot callers” taken off the streets were Rudy Espudo and Salvadore Colabella who were handcuffed on two separate indictments. It is alleged that Espudo and Colabella collected money that was then funneled to various Mexican Mafia bosses.

The criminal arrests were the culmination of year-long investigations called “Operation Notorious County” in North, East and Central San Diego County officials said. The North County Regional Gang Force ran an 18-month investigation called “Operation Carnalismo” and “Operation 12-Step” was under the helm of the East County Regional Gang Task Force.

Commanding LT. Hydar of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department said this Mexican Mafia roundup depended on multiple agencies working in concert. “We had a good day,” she said.

The grand jury indictments extended to 119 gang members, 104 of which were arrested and 13 remain at large.

“This is a major blow to more than 20 (Mexican Mafia) street gangs,” U.S. Attorney Duffy said.

The FBI also noted that this bust is one of San Diego’s largest and sent a strong message to all gang members doing business in San Diego County.

“San Diego is inherently safer today because of the cooperation between our agencies working together to disrupt and dismantle the criminal activities of these dangerous individuals,” said Keith Slotter, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI.

If convicted, the alleged Mexican Mafia members can be sentenced to at least five years behind bars, while other charges carry a life sentence.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

California lawmakers sue state controller for docking their pay for late budget

2012-01-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

In another brazen move to cheat California, state lawmakers have sued Democratic State Controller, John Chiang, for withholding nearly $5,000 each (12 days or a total of $600,000) of loss pay and expenses for failing to balance the state’s budget on time.

Years of fighting over a balanced budget each year led California taxpayers to pass Proposition 25, allowing a simple majority vote to pass a budget instead of the two-thirds requirement. The catch, lawmakers have to send the governor a budget on time or face loss of pay.

Lucky for taxpayers and unlucky for lawmakers, the first year this law was implemented, the budget was late. Lawmakers contend they were unaware their first budget was flawed and that the state’s expenditures did not match revenues. Nevertheless, the first budget was rejected by Governor Jerry Brown (D), because it underfunded public schools to the tune of $1.3 billion.

However, the Democratic majority in Sacramento decided to renege on the law and will sue the state. John Perez, assembly speaker, said he was going “to clarify the constitutional role of the California State Controller.”

Of course, the lawsuit will not only cost the taxpayer’s money, but the Democratic lawmakers have retained independent lawyers who will invoice… the taxpayers.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Border Patrol seizes nearly $1 million worth of illegal drugs in San Diego

2012-01-23T19:58:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, San Diego Border Patrol agents snagged more than $930,000 worth of cocaine, marijuana, and crystal methamphetamine.

“On Saturday, agents assigned to the Interstate 8 checkpoint near Pine Valley arrested a 26-year-old male United States citizen for attempting to smuggle 61.91 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $619, 058,” Scott E. Simon, Border Patrol Agent for the San Diego Sector Communication Division said.

Simon said the drugs were discovered at the checkpoint’s secondary inspection area by K-9 dogs. The illicit drugs were located in a secret floorboard compartment.

“Our agents searched the vehicle (a BMW X5) and discovered 25 cellophane-wrapped brick-shaped bundles in natural voids beneath seats. The suspected smuggler and cocaine were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to a multi-agency drug task force,” Simon said.

In a separate incident, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Interstate 15 checkpoint stopped a Mexican national driving a Ford pickup. Again, it was a K-9 team that located illicit drugs.

“Agents searched and subsequently discovered a non-factory compartment beneath the bed of the truck in which 30 bundles of marijuana were concealed. The drugs weighed a total of 313.83 pounds and had an estimated street value of $156, 915,” according to Border Patrol.

Border Patrol agents arrested and turned over all the suspected drug smugglers to the proper authorities. All of the vehicles were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

Anyone with information regarding suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the San Diego Border Patrol at (619) 498-9900.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Obama Admin aims to increase tourism in the U. S. via Disney World

2012-01-19T15:44:00.000-08:00

Standing in front of Cinderella’s castle at Disney World in Orlando, President Obama declared another “can’t wait” executive order to boost tourism in the U.S. “This is the land where we do big things,” the President quipped in the Sunshine State.

It didn’t take long for GOP front-runner Mitt Romney to make light of the President’s Disney World location used to announce his new executive-order tourism plan. “Perhaps there’s some poetic justice in the President speaking from Fantasyland because I’m afraid, he’s been speaking from Fantasyland for some time now.”

Republican Presidential candidate, Newt Gingrich’s comments weren’t any nicer. “Obama was flanked by Donald Duck on one side and Goofy on the other, much like his cabinet.”

President Obama signed the executive order announcing new initiatives to increase travel and tourism in the United States. Currently the travel industry consists of approximately 2.7 percent of the U.S. GDP and represents 7.5 million jobs.

The “new” Obama executive order aims to create an additional 1 million jobs for the U.S. lagging economy over the next 10 years.

The administration’s announcement highlights a range of steps to promote America as a tourism destination and improve the secure visa processing process.

“Every year, tens of millions of tourists from all over the world come and visit America. And the more folks who visit America, the more Americans we get back to work. We need to help businesses all across the country grow and create jobs; compete and win. That’s how we’re going to rebuild an economy where hard work pays off, where responsibility is rewarded, and where anyone can make it if they try,” President Obama said.

The U.S. Department of Commerce claims that international travel accounted for $134 billion in U.S. exports in 2010.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis; “estimates that every additional 65 international visitors to the United States can generate enough exports to support an additional travel and tourism-related job. According to the travel industry and Bureau of Economic Analysis, international travel is particularly important as overseas or ‘long-haul’ travelers spend on average $4,000 on each visit.”

The new White House tourism strategy will focus on the emerging economies of China, Brazil and India. These three countries alone represented approximately $15 billion and thousands of jobs in 2010.

In addition, Chinese and Brazilian tourists spend between $5-6,000 per trip, according to the Department of Commerce.

In recent years, the Department of State has made progress in processing non-immigrant visas from key markets. Last fiscal year they processed 7.5 million visas. In the 2011 fiscal year, consular officers adjudicated more than one million visa applications in China, and 800,000 in Brazil.

-Some highlights of President Obama’s tourism Executive Order include;

The Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior will be charged with; Co-leading an interagency task force to develop recommendations for a National Travel & Tourism Strategy to promote domestic and international travel opportunities throughout the United States, thereby expanding job creation. This Task Force will coordinate with the Corporation for Travel Promotion (currently doing business as BrandUSA), a non-profit corporation established by Congress through the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 to promote travel to the United States and the Tourism Policy Council to ensure private sector participation and cross-agency coordination.

A focus of the Task Force will be on strategies for increasing tourism and recreation jobs by promoting visits to our national treasures. The Department of the Interior manages iconic destinations in national parks, wildlife refuges, cultural and historic sites, monuments and other public lands that attract travelers from around the country and the globe. In 2010, more than 400 million visits were made by American and international travelers to these lands, contributing nearly $50 billion in economic activity and 400,000 jobs. Eco-tourism and outdoor recreation also have an outsize impact on rural economies, particularly in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.

The Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security will be charged with; increasing non-immigrant visa processing capacity in China and Brazil by 40 percent in 2012.

They will ensure that 80 percent of non-immigrant visa applicants be interviewed within three weeks of receipt of application.

Increasing efforts to expand the Visa Waiver Program and travel by nationals eligible to participate in the Visa Waiver Program, and expanding reciprocal trusted travel programs for expedited travel (such as the Global Entry program).

-Final Rule to Expand and Make the Global Entry Program Permanent:

Global Entry was a program within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that was created in 2008 to facilitate expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Through a final rule, the Administration will expand and make the Global Entry program permanent. Due in part to innovative public-private partnerships, the Global Entry program now has more than 246,000 members, more than 1 million trusted travelers have Global Entry benefits, and efforts are underway to expand enrollment even further. There are currently 131 Global Entry kiosks located at 20 airports. Members have used Global Entry kiosks more than 1.7 million times, saving CBP officers over 36,450 inspection hours—staff hours that CBP has then re-allocated to expedite regular passenger queues.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Decapitated head found below famed- Hollywood sign.

2012-01-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

A recent string of decapitations in the U.S. has law enforcement officials concerned that either Americans are adopting gruesome drug cartel techniques, or cartel violence is spilling across the borders.

Yesterday afternoon in Hollywood, California, a pair of dog walkers stumbled upon a human head. They alerted authorities immediately after their dogs opened a black bag containing the human head.

Police on the scene said the head appeared to be an Armenian man in his 40s. Little decomposition had taken place suggesting the man was recently murdered, according to coroner Lt. Joe Bale.

Meanwhile, last week another headless body was found outside Tucson, Arizona and in October 19-year-old Carina Saunders was decapitated by a human trafficking gang in Oklahoma.

For more information on the Carina Saunders murder; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2077059/Jimmy-Lee-Massey-forced-woman-watch-torture-dismember-Carina-Saunders.html

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Illegal alien released from custody rapes 13-year-old girl

2012-01-17T18:20:00.000-08:00

A Virginia Congressman asked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide local law enforcement agencies with access to digital fingerprints for all criminal, illegal aliens. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) announced that funding to digitize the fingerprints of all criminal, illegal immigrants be included in the DHS 2012 spending bill.

Wolf is asking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to improve its Secure Communities database after a criminal illegal alien was arrested for public drunkenness, but later released when his fingerprints were not identified by law enforcement computers.

Salvador Portillo-Saravia, a known MS-13 gang member, was rearrested just four weeks later for raping an 8-year-old girl in Virginia. Last October, Portillo-Saravia pled guilty on two felony charges of rape of a victim under 13, as well as sodomy. Courts will sentence Portillo-Saravia next month.

“This tragic incident identified a critical shortcoming in the Secure Communities program: immigration fingerprints taken on paper prior to 2005 were often not included in the database,” Wolf said in a statement. “Unfortunately, many local law enforcement agencies were unaware of this gap in the system and that manual searches were still necessary.”

The House Appropriations Committee promptly responded to Rep. Wolf’s request to ensure criminal illegal aliens fingerprints are properly digitized and added the necessary funding to update the database.

“The Secure Communities database is an important resource for state and local law enforcement,” Wolf said. “I will continue to work to ensure this system is operating as it was intended (in order) to help protect our communities.”

The following is the illegal alien digitized fingerprint language included in the FY 2012 bill;

Improving Immigration Enforcement Activities

A total of $12,000,000 above the request is provided to improve immigration enforcement
activities, of which $5,000,000 is included in Secure Communities for digitization of paper fingerprint cards from legacy immigration files. Both the House and Senate reports outlined areas for focus (such as) developing a comprehensive strategy to address the visa overstay problem, modernizing the Alien Criminal Response Information Management System (ACRIMe) to support the identification of criminal aliens and individuals attempting to overstay a visa, enhancing ICE capabilities for law enforcement support for immigration- related inquiries from State and local law enforcement, and digitizing old fingerprint records. ICE is directed to brief the Committees, with US-VISIT and other DHS components as appropriate, on its plan for utilization of these funds, no later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act. ICE is also directed, in conjunction with US-VISIT and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), to report to the Committees no later than 120 days e ate of enactment of this Act on the methodology of prioritizing files for the digitization effort as well as the overall projected cost of the project to ensure electronic availability of appropriate biometrics in IDENT.

Digitization Efforts

USCIS, ICE, and the Executive Office of Immigration Review are directed to brief the Committees on use of digitized records, as required in the House report, no later than March I, 2012. USCIS is also directed to provide no less than $29,000,000 to continue conversion of immigration records to digital format.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Obama lays out new plan to treat soldiers suffering TBI and PTSD

2012-01-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) have created a new generation of doctors, medical schools and research facilities that will focus on treatment options for military veterans.

“I’m inspired to see our nation’s medical schools step up to address this pressing need for our veterans and military families,” First Lady Michelle Obama said. “By directing some of our brightest minds, our most cutting-edge research, and our finest teaching institutions toward our military families, they’re ensuring that those who have served our country receive the first-rate care that they have earned.”

While this new program is welcomed by injured military veterans, the signature war wounds for the signature Middle East Wars, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have seen numerous successful treatment plans in the private sector.

Most recently Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head by a mentally unstable gunman. Rep. Giffords received the best medical treatment her generous Congressional health insurance provided. As a result, she has recovered at a remarkable pace. Many argue that the military veterans are not given the same opportunity as an elected politician.

Another example of successful head trauma treatment is ABC News reporter, Bob Woodruff. He survived a bomb blast covering the Iraq War. Mr. Woodruff, was treated for TBI in New York City, received excellent medical treatment in the private sector, and has returned to work.

Woodruff has spoken about his and Giffords’ head injuries. “First, there is hope. Like the doctors who saved me almost five years ago, her surgeons knew exactly what to do. Her brain was swelling just like mine. They removed partof her skull on the left sideof her head almost exactly like mine, and she (was put) in a drug-induced coma so that her brain could recover.”

However, complaints from many service members suggest military treatment requires excessive paperwork and bland treatment options for their TBI and PTSD injuries.

Together, the AAMC and AACOM hope to advance their veteran-related injury education programs, focus laboratory research, and improve clinical care for military families. This cooperative effort seeks to better address health issues suffered by returning troops from the Middle East Wars.

Specifically, these organizations will focus on the following;

· Train their medical students as well as their current physicians, faculty, and staff to better diagnose and treat our veterans and military families;

· Develop new research and clinical trials on PTSD and TBI so that we can better understand and treat those conditions;

· Share their information and best practices with one another through a collaborative web forum created by the AAMC; and

· Continue to work with the VA and the Department of Defense to make sure that everyone is providing the best care available.

“Because of our integrated missions in education, clinical care, and research, America’s medical schools are uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in this important effort,” Darrell G. Kirch M.D., president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges said. “Medical schools have long recognized the sacrifice and commitment of our military, veterans, and their families. The relationship between the Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and academic medicine dates back to the end of World War II and serves as a model for successful partnerships between public and private institutions. Our work with the White House on Joining Forces is a natural extension of our efforts in this area and renews our commitment to the wellness of our nation’s military.”

For more information about Joining Forces visit; www.joiningforces.gov

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Border Patrol confiscates more than $617,000 of Methamphetamine drugs

2012-01-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

Border Patrol agents working north of San Diego at the Interstate 15 checkpoint nabbed two narcotic smugglers carrying 30 pounds of methamphetamine.

The agents stopped a male 20-year-old U.S. citizen driving a black Hummer H3 along with a 21-year-old male U. S. citizen passenger as they arrived at the freeway checkpoint. During the inspection process, BP agents became suspicious of the occupant’s nervous behavior and referred them to a secondary inspection area.

“A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert,” said Scott Simon, Border Patrol Agent in the San Diego Sector Information and Communication Division.“Agents searched the vehicle and discovered a non-factory compartment in the rear cargo deck concealing a total of 20 bundles of methamphetamine.”

The illegal narcotics weighed approximately 31 pounds and had an estimated street value of $617,400, officials said. “The suspected smugglers and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation. The Hummer H3 was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol,” Simon finished.
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In an effort to prevent illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and contraband, the Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major U.S. corridors away from the nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Ron Paul calls for all but Romney to drop out of GOP presidential primary race

2012-01-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

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While former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney notches his second win in the GOP primary race, it was Congressman Ron Paul, the “liberty first” Republican who nabbed second place. The strong Paul finish knocked the wind out of last week's Iowa’s second place finisher, Rick Santorum -the non-Romney candidate.

With momentum on Ron Paul side, the campaign issued a strong statement to other Republican candidates- “drop out.”

“We urge Ron Paul’s opponents who have been unsuccessfully trying to be the conservative alternative to Mitt Romney to unite by getting out ofthe race and uniting behind Paul’s candidacy,” said National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

“The race is becoming more clearly a two-man race between establishment candidate Mitt Romney and Ron Paul, the candidate of authentic change,” Benton said.

The Paul campaign also points out that Ron Paul and Mitt Romney are the only two GOP candidates that can beat President Barack Obama in national polls. After raising more than $13 million this quarter, Paul supporters continue to believe in their “audit the fed” contender.

“Ron Paul has the boldest plan to cut spending, a dedication to protecting life, and a lifelong dedication to the Constitution and limited government,” Benton explained.

Many of Paul’s supporters have been critical of media coverage and will move forward with young college-aged voters leading the way. Paul’s “liberty first” campaign has not only resonated with young people and Independents across the nation, but many non-party affiliates have joined the bandwagon.

“I am concerned with winning the state of California as we have 170 delegates here,” said Mike Benoit, congressional candidate and organizer for the San Diego Ron Paul for President meet-up group. “I think he needs to raise $10 million in the next 30 days to keep moving forward.”

Benoit strongly believes Paul can win the nomination as Jon Huntsman, Rick Santorum and Rick Perry all lose campaign donors to poor finishes. “There is no doubt about it, it is a war of attrition. If we can’t raise the money for the cause, then we do not deserve liberty. Liberty does come at a price,” Benoit finished.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Illegal immigrant accused of raping and killing a baby girl

2012-01-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

The Albuquerque Police said they arrested an illegal alien on charges of sexual assault and murdering his girlfriend’s one-month-old baby girl. Authorities found the baby in a pool of her own blood with visible vaginal and anal tears along with two black eyes.

The suspect, Juan Galindo’s criminal record includes drug and alcohol abuse as well as assaulting another child. Galindo was charged over the weekend with aggravated criminal sexual penetration and child abuse resulting in death- his bail was set at $1 million.

“It's extremely hard on the detectives and everybody who, the initial deputies who attempted to do CPR on the baby, the family members who attempted to do CPR on the baby,” Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Lt. Justin Dunlap said. “It's extremely difficult.”

The Medical Examiner performed a preliminary autopsy on the dead baby and discovered she suffered previous rib fractures and brain bleed injuries.

Officials also said that Galindo used numerous aliases and birth dates while residing illegally in New Mexico and was deported in August of last year.

According to detectives, this wasn’t the first time Galindo had problems with the law.

“He has been arrested for a case involving child abuse before in Texas, I believe in 1993, for [some sort] of DWI related incident,” Lt. Dunlap concluded.

Galindo has at least six kids with a variety of women.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

47 pounds of cocaine snagged by San Diego Border Patrol

2012-01-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

U.S. Border Patrol agents snagged 47 pounds of cocaine just east of San Diego at the Interstate 8 checkpoint.

Yesterday Border Patrol agents encountered a 43-year-old male Mexican national driving a X3 BMW at the Pine Valley checkpoint, agents found the driver’s demeanor suspicious and sent the car to the secondary inspection station.

During the examination of the BMW, a Border Patrol K-9 team alerted agents to a positive alert inside the driver’s side door. The Border Patrol Agents searched the vehicle and found 20 bundles of cocaine concealed inside of the rocker panels on both sides of the vehicle, according to Scott E. Simon, Border Patrol Agent for the San Diego Sector Information & Communication Division.

“The cocaine weighed a total 47.09 pounds and had an estimated street value of $470,900,” Simon said. “The suspected smuggler and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for further investigation. The BMW was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.”

To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Californians are the losers in Gov. Brown’s gimmick-filled budget proposal

2012-01-06T11:58:00.000-08:00

Can Californian’s say, please tax me? This is the not-so-new plan for the state’s $15-20 billion budget deficit woes. The Golden State’s Governor, Jerry Brown, is crossing his fingers that voters will agree to a sales and income tax hike to solve budget deficit problems.

What the governor doesn’t highlight is the hidden $7 billion increase in its yearly spending expenditures.

One might ask how the Gov. Brown intends to cover his tracks, increase taxes of course.

One liberal-leaning group is riding behind the Kim Kardashian’s success story and asking the reality television star if she can pay more in taxes. A video ad produced by the Courage Campaign targets the "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star by comparing the millionaire’s (Kim earned a reported $12 million last year) tax rate to someone earning $47,000 a year. The ad failed to acknowledge that the reality star paid at least 10 percent of her earnings to Uncle Sam in Sacramento, her bill landed somewhere near the $1.2 million mark while the “unnamed” worker paid $3,000. Voters should be questioning which of the two paid their “fair share?”

In the meantime, California residents will be asked to increase their own taxes in order to cover the “out of control” pension funds promised to public-sector union employees, duplicative state agencies, the largest prison population, Medicaid/Medicare and other “free” services for the illegal population that reside in California.

Currently, California is facing monumental billion dollar budget shortfalls and Governor Brown is banking on residents to increase taxes to narrow the budget gap. In June of this year, state legislators voted on a supposed-balance budget, but underestimating expenditures has left a $12.8 billion hole for the state.

The biggest cut Governor Brown proposes is the state’s welfare and child care programs. These entitlement programs will see $1.4 billion less money next year if state legislators agree to the governor’s cuts and reduce spending to the poor.

“I do not see us taking cut action between now and the May (budget revision)," said Democrat Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg. "We've done enough damage on the cuts side. And the cash situation is pretty good. And it isn't like February of 2009 when we were close to heading over the cliff. I just don't see the need to make cuts."

In an effort to stave off budget cuts, Democrats are hoping residents will elect to increase the state sales tax by half-a-cent for the next four years. The tax measure would also levy a 1 percent income tax on income earners who make $250,000, 1.5 percent on income over $300,000 and a 2 percent income tax on those earning more than $500,000. Effectively the state income tax would increase from 10.3 percent to 12.3 percent making California the most expensive state to live. Governor Brown anticipates the increase will raise $7 billion, still shy of the $13 billion budget deficit.

California tax crusader, Richard Rider of San Diego Tax Fighters points out the hard reality for Golden State residents. “If passed, California will advance from the third highest income tax state to numero uno. Any sane rich person HAS to be thinking of moving out of the state.”

Minor cuts await

Californians will also find the Governor has decided to save money by eliminating 3,000 jobs from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Departments. The democratic-run state will shift some of the prison population to the counties and reduce prison sentences.

“The state of California is a very generous, compassionate political jurisdiction,” Brown explained. “When we have to cut spending, that spendingis going to come from programs that aredoing a lot of good.It’snot nice. Wedon’t likeit. But the economy and tax statutes of California make just so much money available.”

Brown has also proposed that 39 state agencies are axed. Some of the agencies on the chopping block include the California Volunteer Agency, California Emergency Management Agency, Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board, Rehabilitation Appeals Board and Department of Boating and Wateways.

Pension woes

A scathing report released by Stanford University provided scary details for the Golden State’s promised pension programs. Californians have promised approximately $500 billion, something the “millionaire’s tax” would not cover. (The new tax would raise around $6.9 billion, but that would help block cuts to K-12 education).

However, even if the state successfully abolishes agencies, raises taxes and cuts education departments, California will still operate in the red due to the pension fund promises.

Something else Governor Brown doesn’t address is California’s overly-burdensome regulations (AB32 is California's own cap & trade law) and it's these taxes that are driving businesses to other business-friendly states.

Without new revenue streams from businesses, the Golden State is at risk of further austerity measures which could cripple any prospects of a bright future.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Mexican panga with illegal immigrants and 2,500 pounds of pot snagged

2012-01-04T17:44:00.000-08:00

A predawn interdiction on Wednesday led to the capture of 10 illegal immigrants caught with 2,500 pounds of marijuana on a Mexican "panga" boat along the Ventura County coast just north of Los Angeles.

California National Guardsmen, working in support of the Central California Maritime Agency Coordination Group, initially spotted the vessel offshore and relayed the information to the U.S. Border Patrol. The agents discovered a 27-foot boat loaded with several bales of marijuana. In addition to the marijuana, authorities also seized two vehicles linked to the smugglers.

"This interdiction illustrates our ability to analyze information and execute a collaborative operational plan with our partners to deploy a rapid response to mitigate this threat," said Justin Delatorre, acting assistant chief patrol agent with San Diego Sector Border Patrol.

Agents said four suspects arrived on the panga boat and were immediately taken into custody. An additional six were arrested on the beach landing area. Moving forward Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will further investigate the maritime smuggling attempt.

"This interdiction clearly shows our joint efforts to target this smuggling activity is having an impact," explained Claude Arnold, special agent in charge for ICE HSI in Los Angeles. "Today's enforcement action should send a strong message to the criminal organizations in Mexico responsible for these incidents in Southern California that we've got them in our cross-hairs."

The apprehension of the maritime marijuana smuggling crew displays the coordination of multi-agencies interdiction of illicit drugs along California’s long coastline.

"Close collaboration with our partners has helped us ensure the success of this operation so we can uniformly keep our streets safe from illegal drugs," said Capt. Roger Laferriere, the commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach. "We look forward to continued success through close partnerships."

The Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said the partnership with federal agencies leads to safer streets for residents along the coast. "We look forward to continuing to work together to keep our county safe."

Due to the escalating number of maritime smuggling incidents along the coastline, authorities have intensified efforts to target the illegal activity by expanding the use of marine patrols, land-based surveillance with the collaboration of Mexico.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

745 new laws in California set to affect all residents

2012-01-03T13:45:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year Californians; just when you thought the giving season was over state legislators have another gift for you—new laws.

According to the state’s website, Californians need to review 51 pages containing 745 new laws passed and signed by the Democrat-run Assembly, Senate and Governor’s office.

Some highlights include; The California DREAM Act—illegal immigrants will now be allowed to attend college AND are eligible for taxpayer grant money to pay for tuition and books. Once Governor Jerry Brown signed the DREAM Act into law, a rigorous recall effort has ensued. The effort was spearheaded by Republicans who complain that California colleges face a projected $100 million in recessionary cuts and need to assist citizens first.

Another new law concerns gay rights'. All public schools in California, (many rank near the bottom of the list education-wise compared to other states), will have to teach K-12 students about gay history and rights. This is another controversial law that opponents want to repeal on the 2012 ballot.

Some equally onerous laws come at the expense of residents; restaurants will no longer be allowed to serve shark fin soup; minors can no longer head to the tanning salon for a quick fake bake; gun owners will no longer be able to carry their unloaded weapon outside their homes; the state can no longer sell beer that contains caffeine; residents can no longer sell/give live pets (kittens and puppies) on any street or parking lot.

Now it’s a crime to trick senior citizens into voting differently than they intended. (Wasn’t this an ACORN problem?)

With Obamacare requirements ramping up in California, state lawmakers added more rules and regulations for healthcare providers in the Golden State. Some notables include; no parental consent will be required for girls 12-17 seeking preventive sexually transmitted diseases treatment; all insurance companies must include maternity coverage; insurance companies must provide four months of maternity leave; health care providers must offer behavioral treatment; and child care providers can no longer offer any sugary beverages—for example children are allowed only one juice drink per day, only one percent milk and no artificially-sweetened drinks.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP), who is responsible for roadway safety, said drivers should read over the new driving requirements listed here (new CHP driving laws) “Our hope is by educating the public of these new traffic safety laws in advance, more lives will be saved in the new year,” said Commissioner of the CHP, Joe Farrow.

Some highlights include; Children must ride in either a car seat or booster seat until the age of eight. Drivers are required to stop at a sobriety checkpoint. However, peace officers will be prohibited from impounding a vehicle for 30 days if the only offense by the driver is failing to hold a valid driver license (something illegals are caught doing frequently).

Drivers looking to ease their reckless driving restrictions can install of an Ignition Interlock Device in their vehicle. The CHP added Section 23579 to the Vehicle Code, and authorizes courts to revoke a driver’s license for 10 years if a person is convicted of three or more DUIs.

Californians can now rest knowing their lawmakers recognize exactly how children should be raised, how to shop and what businesses offer only the best for its customers.

Sounds like paradise.

For a list of new laws around the country; http://www.ncsl.org/?tabid=23989

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Quadruple New Year’s murder rocks San Diego sleepy seaside community

2012-01-01T17:45:00.000-08:00

At approximately 2:20 a.m today, January 1, Coronado Police Department officers responded to a 911 call concerning shots fired inside a residence located at the 1000 block of Park Place, in the city of Coronado.

Officers and the fire department arrived within minutes and immediately found a male lying in the doorway of a residence and determined the victim was dead.

According to a press release; “Officers unsuccessfully attempted to make contact with anyone else inside the residence.” The Sheriff's Department's Special Enforcement Detail (S.E.D. - S.W.A.T.) was requested by officers at the scene in order to secure the residence.

Law enforcement also used a robot to explore the first floor while S.E.D. members searched the second and third floors of the crime scene. Once police officers entered the residence, they found two more deceased males as well as one dead female.

Once the crime scene was secured, Coronado Police handed over the investigation to the Sheriff's Homicide Detail.
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Lieutenant Larry Nesbit, of the San Diego Sheriff Department said that although it is early in the investigation, “we do not believe there are any outstanding suspects.”

Nesbit declined to provide any possible motives for the murder of the four victims.

However, investigators from the Coronado Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Homicide Detail, and Sheriff's Crime Lab will continue to participate in the quadruple murder investigation.

Law enforcement also declined to release any victim’s information, and said the county Medical Examiner’s Office will determine their identities and approximate time of death.

Investigators said details on the quadruple murders are fluid and many leads still need to be verified. They cautioned residents in the sleepy seaside town to call law enforcement with any questions or information regarding the four murders.

The quadruple homicides come on the heels of the mysterious Spreckels Mansion deaths that rocked the quiet seaside community and grabbed national headlines last summer. The famous Coronado Mansion is owned by millionaire Jonah Shacknai, the CEO of Medicis Pharmaceuticals, a successful skincare company based in Arizona. The San Diego Sheriff’s Department determined that the death of six-year-old boy, Max Shacknai was an accident and that his father’s longtime girlfriend, Rebecca Zahau, committed a bizarre suicide after learning the boy may not survive his injuries. While the case remains closed by the San Diego Sheriff Department, Zahau’s family firmly believes Rebecca did not commit suicide and was a murder victim.

Anyone with information about these crimes is encouraged to call Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321/after hours at (858) 565-5200 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS (8477).

To read more about the Spreckels Mansion deaths; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/san-diego-mansion-deaths-take-a-new-twist

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Big Brother & Big Sis may be watching your Tweets or Facebook posts

2011-12-29T08:14:00.000-08:00

In America’s brave new world, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has set up fake Twitter and Facebook accounts in order to catch a potential criminal.

They claim to be protecting the Internet by invading American’s privacy without warrants, for the sole purpose of catching the bad guys. Really?

DHS says they are now “protecting” Americans by programming a few sensitive hot-key words into their computer programs and then tracking those who are tweeting words they think fit a certain profile.

The DHS's “watch” list could land Americans on a collision course with secret agents tracking their every move. In other words, DHS can insert government agents into the “average Joe’s” life without serving a warrant or providing any explanation.

A few “key” words DHS is concerned with include “diseases” or “bio weapons” or “human to animal” or “outbreak” and “illegal immigrant.” In fact, DHS has outlined plans to scan blogs, Twitter and Facebook, according to the Electronic Privacy Information Center.

EPIC claims a Freedom of Information Act requested in February for more details has gone unanswered.

It’s also been reported by some news agencies that DHS can program their computers in order to target certain words and phrases. If a match is triggered, the personal information may be recorded and open to further investigation by agency officials.

It remains unclear how DHS will use the information gathered without a warrant on the Internet blogosphere. EPIC points out that the government has used scans of social media before to analyze events, like the 2010 BP oil spill, but using “fake” profiles on social media is new.

“The initiatives were designed to gather information from online forums, blogs, public websites, and message boards. [They plan] to store and analyze the information gathered, and then disseminate relevant and appropriate de-identified information to federal, state, local, and foreign governments and private sector partners,” according to an EPIC court filing.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

France looks to ICE to combat transnational gangs

2011-12-28T09:08:00.000-08:00

More than one million gang members call America home and with that namesake comes exploding prison populations. These gang members have adopted violent behavior similar to their Mexican cartel competitors.

In fact, transnational gangs are commonplace in 80 percent of American communities. As a result, law enforcement officers must now devote more resources to combat gang-related violence in order to provide safety in communities throughout the United States.

"Transnational gangs are a worldwide problem, not confined to any single country," according to Mark Selby, unit chief for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations' (HSI) National Gang Unit.

As America competes in a new global marketplace, ICE points to dozens of reports that indicate transnational gangs operate in a growing number of countries. France's Gendarmerie Nationale, a leading law enforcement agency, face gang-related crime on a daily basis.

French gangs are typically affiliated with Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. These gangs are trafficking narcotics and implementing violence as a way to resolve their issues.Just like America these gangs are territorial and fiercely control criminal activity in their neighborhoods.
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After listening to an ICE’s gang-related presentation at a EUROPOL meeting, Captain Benjamin Suzzoni of the Gendarmerie Nationale convinced his superiors to let him learn more about ICE’s strategy to combat transnational crime.

While the French shadowed the ICE HSI team, they learned about common gang practices and new strategies to combat transnational gangs. The French officers witnessed real-life scenarios while on a ride along with the Dallas Police Department's Gang Unit.

“That evening, Gendarmerie Nationale personnel observed firsthand some ICE HSI strategies used to combat gangs, ranging from field interviews with known gang members to how agents utilize confidential informants.”

The French officers were impressed with the effectiveness of Operation Community Shield, a national gang enforcement initiative where ICE HSI partners with international, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to combat gangs.

"We rely on all of our law enforcement partners. Without them, we wouldn't be able to successfully conduct the targeted anti-gang enforcement actions or long-term criminal enterprise investigations that we do," Selby said. "In the majority of cases, we know who we're going to arrest before we arrest them. Information sharing and intelligence from the local police departments that work with us allow us to do this."

The French officers said they would implement some of the tactics used by U.S. law enforcement in an effort to curb transnational gang activity in French communities.

Learn more about ICE's efforts to combat transnational gangs.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Calguns files a lawsuit against California DOJ.

2011-12-27T10:34:00.001-08:00

The California Calguns Foundation has filed a federal lawsuit against the state’s Department of Justice as well as Attorney General Kamala Harris for implementing a policy forcing gun owners to wait 10 days before they can take possession of additional firearms.

The case is entitled Jeff Silvester et. al. vs. Kamala Harris, et. al and was filed in the District of California Federal District Court in Fresno.

The Calguns Foundation signed on to the lawsuit with the Second Amendment Foundation and three individual plaintiffs.

“The State has absolutely no reason to infringe the rights of California gun owners who already possess firearms when they buy another one,” said Jason Davis who is the attorney for the plaintiffs. "California currently requires the registration of handguns in California. And, beginning January 2014, it will also require the registration of all newly-purchased rifles and shotguns. Notably, California keeps a current database of all residents who are prohibited by state or federal law from owning or possessing firearms."
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The plaintiffs, Jeff Silvester, Michael Poeschl, and Brandon Combs have firearms registered with the State of California. Combs and Silvester also have firearms licenses issued by the state that constitute continuous background checks. The plaintiffs argue that their law abiding background coupled with extensive background checks should remove them from the “cooling off” period.

“In just about every other state in the U.S., I as a law-abiding gun owner, could walk in and after passing an instant national background check, walk out with a firearm to defend myself in my home,” said Poeschl. “What’s really frustrating is that California is one of the few states that force gun owners to register all handguns that they buy. If the state’s database saying that I already lawfully own a gun isn’t proof that I don’t need a ‘cooling-off’ period, then what is?”

Currently, if Californians want to legally conceal carry a firearm they have to pass more stringent background checks. In most counties, residents have to provide detailed reasons in order to carry a weapon. Acceptable reasons include carrying large amounts of cash to banks or other businesses, bodily threats, or a member of the court system.

“I have a license to carry a loaded firearm across the state,” Silvester said. “It is ridiculous that I have to wait another 10 days to pick up a new firearm when I’m standing there in the gun store lawfully carrying one the whole time.”

The “cooling off” period also affects gun collectors.

“As a collector, I submitted to a Live Scan background check and obtained a Certificate of Eligibility to Possess Firearms from the State of California at my own expense,” said Brandon Combs. “In the Internet era, where every California gun dealer has a computer connected directly to the State’s databases, there is no logical reason to force me to wait 10 days and make another trip simply because California doesn’t want to acknowledge the Certificate that it issued to me. I have registered guns, and I have the State telling me that I can possess guns, but for some reason I can’t exercise my constitutionally protected rights for another ten days? That’s insane.”

Currently California enforces some of the nation’s toughest gun laws and has banned numerous weapons that can be purchased legally in other states.

"This lawsuit seeks to prevent the infringement of gun owners' rights and requests the 10 day ban on possessing firearms purchased not be applied to current gun owners who pass instant background checks," Davis concluded.

A copy of the complaint and case filings can be downloaded at http://calgunsfoundation.org/resources/downloads/category/20-silvester-v-harris.html

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Mexican Army arrests "El Chapo's" top security advisor- a blow to cartel

2011-12-26T09:57:00.000-08:00

Mexican authorities said they captured the world’s most wanted man, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman’s, chief security advisor on Christmas.

President Felipe Calderon hasn’t released a statement on the high-profile arrest, but Mexican Army officials said the cartel security point man was apprehended in the Sinaloa city of Cuiliacan, but declined to disclose the cartel henchman’s name.

Mexican officials speculate the high-profile apprehension could lead to the arrest of “El Chapo” and will extensively interrogate the Sinaloa security advisor this week.

The Sinaloa cartel has suffered a string of U.S. drug distribution arrests as U.S. law enforcement officers confiscated drugs, money and weapons.

The Mexican war on drugs continues to accelerate despite hundreds of arrests and murders surging past 40,000 in the five-year fight. U.S. experts point to the lucrative drug business that grosses $25-35 billion every year. Advisors also contend that the U.S. is the largest consumer of illegal drugs and supports the drug trade south of the border.

American drug consumption has attributed to “El Chapo’s” wealth. In fact, Forbes magazine said, “El Chapo” is one of the wealthiest people on the planet. The magazine also designated “El Chapo” as one of the “World’s Most Powerful People.”

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Alabama’s tough new illegal immigration law cuts state unemployment

2011-12-19T17:37:00.001-08:00

Alabama recently made national news when it passed a strict new illegal immigration law, in fact, the federal government filed a lawsuit against the southern state.

However, a funny thing happened in Alabama, their unemployment rate fell more than a half of a percent last month. State officials suggest the tough new illegal immigration law led to illegals leaving the state and prompted local businesses to hire American citizens and legal immigrants to alleviate unemployment levels.

Alabama’s unemployment rate was 9.3 percent in October and dropped by 0.6 percent or 8.7 percent in November.

“The continued drop is proof that people — American Citizens [and] legal migrants, have suffered at the hands of politicians who choose politics over economics,” said Chuck Ellis, a council member in Northern Alabama’s Marshall County told the Daily Caller.

“What’s amazing is that in Marshall County, a county of 95,000 residents, 30,000 workforce eligible there are over 600 people who now have jobs that they didn’t have six months ago.”

Under Attorney General Eric Holder’s supervision, a Department of Justice (DOJ) representative from the civil-regulation department Tom Perez, has been making plenty of trips to Alabama to encourage disenchanted illegals to file discrimination claims.

The Obama Administration continues their crack down of new state illegal immigration laws in order to keep a 2008 campaign promise to Hispanic lobbies. However, a multitude of issues with the president’s centerpiece legislation, health care overhaul, took more political capital than anticipated.

Plus a historic mid-term election saw Democrats lose control in the House, leaving Hispanics out in the cold as Republicans had no desire to reform immigration legislation.

As a result, Hispanic lobbies urged the Obama Administration to sue New Mexico, South Carolina, Georgia and Arizona.

Just last week, DOJ’s Perez released the results of a years-long investigation into Maricopa County’s Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

The scathing report insinuated the Arizona Sheriff, known for his tough stance on illegal immigration, was targeting Latinos. Perez went on to say the DOJ would no longer assist Arizona with the enforcement of federal illegal immigration laws.

Sheriff Joe, as he is known to those in Arizona, quickly responded to the Justice Department and said, “We’re going to fight back, we’re going to show the politics involved.”

Many anti-illegal immigration activists point to the facts when it comes to enforcing the laws already on the books. “It’s illegal to hire someone without proper paperwork,” Anita Johnson said. “There are too many Americans looking for work and it’s up to businesses to step up and recognize they need to follow the law.”

Alabama is a perfect example of how enforcement helps Americans. “Just think what the unemployment numbers would be if all states followed Alabama’s example,” Johnson said.

Another voice in the illegal immigration debate is NumbersUSA Director Roy Beck and he had this to say, “The chief difficulties that America faces because of current immigration are not triggered by who the immigrants are but by how many there are. The task before the nation in setting a fair level of immigration is not about race or some vision of homogeneous white America; it is about protecting and enhancing the United States’ unique experiment in democracy for all Americans, including recent immigrants, regardless of their particular ethnicity.”

As the 2012 election cycle builds momentum, the illegal immigration dilemma will certainly play a key role in who Americans send to Washington DC.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Alabama’s tough new illegal immigration law cuts state unemployment

2011-12-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

Fast and Furious claimed its first victim, Agent Terry, one year ago

2011-12-15T10:07:00.001-08:00

It was just a year ago that ill-fated “Fast and Furious” gunwalking scheme claimed its first American victim- Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry.

Terry left southern Arizona station evening muster never knowing it would be his last. As he and his fellow Border Patrol agents prepared to hike into Peck Canyon, the only thing on their minds was to apprehend a “rip crew” responsible for robbing and terrorizing illegal immigrants passing through the desert seeking a better life in America.

However, new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memos had recently been given to all Border Patrol agents asking them to use less-than-deadly force, Terry complied and packed his gun that dispensed bean bag rounds.

As it turns out, Terry paid attention to the memos, and it cost him his life. During the December 2010 shootout in Peck Canyon, “rip crew” thugs fired AK-47 weapons indiscriminately in the dark desert night and killed the former Marine. He never had a chance.

Once the dust settled and help arrived, Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was dead. He would not be home for Christmas.

Border Patrol agents eventually discovered a misguided Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm (ATF) “Fast and Furious” investigation gun killed their colleague.

For nearly a year “Fast and Furious” has garnered headlines, but to this day nobody has been held accountable for letting thousands of guns “walk” into the willing hands of vicious Mexican cartel members. The Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation has yielded little punishment for ATF and DOJ management personnel who authorized a program aimed at uncovering cartel gun trafficking patterns and gain splashy headlines.

However, it would take weeks, and several ATF whistleblowers to uncover the truth behind Agent Terry’s murder. It was a poorly executed ATF investigation, Fast and Furious, that put the U.S. government in the gun trafficking business and as it turns out Agent Terry would only be the first in a long list of people killed by guns once under the control of lawful gun dealers and watchful ATF officials.

A year later, countless inquiries by Congress have resulted in ATF and DOJ stonewalling. Documents and emails requested by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) have been heavily redacted and exacted little transparency from the Obama Administration.

The Terry family still doesn’t know who was responsible for the murder of their son. Officials in charge of ATF and DOJ have sealed records and hide behind the “ongoing” investigation excuse as reasons for their secrecy.

It looks as though the government is doing what they do best- covering up a deadly program.

Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry died a year ago today. He died defending a nation he believed in, and he died from a Fast and Furious gun.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

New study says Californian’s are on the hook for $500 billion in pension funds

2011-12-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

California is broke, really broke. The governor has called for billion dollar budgetary cuts ahead of the New Year as revenues to Sacramento coffers were much lower than predicted. According to a new Stanford University report, the Golden States’ three largest public unions, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS), and the University of California Retirement Plan (UCRP) have been promised $500 billion in pension funds.

The Stanford report concludes these union contracts promised public sector employees more than the state can afford.

The report outlines that public employee pension systems usually strive for 100 percent funding over the long term. However, these pension programs promised much more than they can deliver. Meaning, the taxpayer is on the hook for the difference.

“The combined unfunded liability for CalPERS, CalSTRS, and UCRP under the 6.2 percent discount rate is $290.6 billion, equal to more than three state General Fund budgets,” the report disclosed. “That figure represents an unfunded amount per household of nearly $24,000. Using a low-risk, or risk-free, discount rate, the combined unfunded liability for these three systems reaches $497.9 billion, or 17 percent more than that calculated in 2010.”

Stanford economic forecasters warn that state contributions to pension accounts made by the taxpayers will increase substantially over the next few years.

“Assuming a 6.2 percent discount rate and other minor demographic changes, current state spending on pensions is likely to increase from $4.8 billion in 2011-2012 to $14.6 billion, or the equivalent of 17.3 percent of current General Fund expenditures,” the report points out. The increased spending on pensions will eventually cut into other state non-pension spending, like education and social services.

The Stanford University pension report also explains that California state legislators need to act urgently. They contend each day that passes will cost Californians’ $3.4 million per day.

Possible solutions to the pension crisis include tax increases or reforms to the public employee pension contracts. “Revenue increases are unlikely to be approved absent pension reforms. Required pension system reforms include benefit reductions, such as prospective reductions for current employees, greater cost sharing, and governance reforms, particularly changes in the pension system accounting methods and assumptions,” the report concluded.

The report also took a look at Governor Jerry Brown’s suggestions to solve the impending pension shortfall, but only found minor positive elements. “Governor Brown’s proposal provides only modest additional cost savings. For example, Governor Brown’s proposal appears likely to reduce CalPERS state spending by more than $300 million in the first year and $6.2 billion over 10 years. At a 6.2 percent discount rate, the state’s combined annual shortfall for both CalPERS and CalSTRS is about $100 billion over the same period.”

It is necessary to note that California faces the largest budget deficit crisis in the nation. Many states like Illinois and New Jersey will keep a close eye on the Golden State and evaluate how California handles its public sector union pension shortfalls.

To read the entire report; http://siepr.stanford.edu/system/files/shared/Nation%20Statewide%20Report%20v081.pdf

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Obama Administration discusses Islamic religion free speech behind closed doors

2011-12-13T17:21:00.000-08:00

In an effort to clarify America’s free-speech policy regarding the Islamic religion, the Obama Administration held a multi-nation, closed-door meeting to discuss religious speech.

The conference attendees hope to appease Muslim nations by asking Americans to tone down their anti-Islamic religion rhetoric which the Administration claims may be the cause of unrest in the Middle East.

"We know that some people distort various religious doctrines to justify intolerance, foment violence or create strife that serves their narrow political purposes," said Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. ambassador at large for international religious freedom. Johnson explained that offensive (religious) dialogue should be denounced, while "religion must never be used as an excuse to stifle freedom of expression."

The Islamic countries that attended the closed-to-media conference cite recent cartoons that mocked the prophet Muhammad and Florida preacher Terry Jones, who publically burns the Koran, as offensive and a reason for Americans to restrain their free speech rights’.

The Obama Administration hopes to broker a “middle ground” on this issue and invited nine European, nine Muslim as well as a few Latin American countries to participate in the three-day conference.

However, critics say the Administration is only pandering to the Middle East and point out that America already has a Constitution in place that sets clear free-speech parameters.

"Why is it that the U.S. Constitution must come second when representatives from Islamic counties such as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan demand we must curb our religious liberties and free speech?" Andrea Lafferty, president of the Traditional Values Coalition asked. "Why is our government bending to Taliban values here on the home front?"

Officials contend the closed-door conference is an opportunity to resolve issues that are sensitive to Islamic nations.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

The holiday season doesn’t slow Mexican cartels from smuggling illicit drugs

2011-12-10T10:44:00.001-08:00

It may be the Yuletide season, but that hasn’t stopped drug smugglers from wanting to earn some extra Christmas cash. This week in San Diego, Border Patrol agents played Grinch and snatched nearly $700,000 worth of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.

Yesterday, Border Patrol agents, patrolling along Interstate 15 stopped a 28-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a pickup truck. After the stop, agents called a Border Patrol K-9 team to conduct a cursory inspection of the vehicle. The K-9 positively alerted agents to the interior of the truck where agents discovered five bundles of methamphetamine in a black trash bag. “The total weight of the meth was 12.02 pounds and worth an estimated $240,400,” according to Border Patrol Agent Scott Simon.

In a separate bust, Border Patrol agents at the Interstate 8 checkpoint just east of San Diego, arrested a 23-year-old male Mexican national for smuggling 3.53 pounds of heroin worth $45,890 in the soles of two pairs of dress shoes.

“Agents encountered the individual while performing an immigration inspection of a commercial bus travelling to San Diego,” Scott said. “During inspection, agents became suspicious of the man’s nervous demeanor and referred him for a secondary inspection. A Border Patrol K-9 team alerted to the man’s luggage, where agents discovered packages of heroin hidden inside of a pair of brown shoes. Agents also located similar packages inside of a pair of black shoes the man was wearing.”

At the same I-8 checkpoint, Border Patrol detained a 39-year-old male U.S. citizen for attempting to smuggle 39.68 pounds of cocaine. The nervous driver was sent to secondary inspection, where a K-9 team led agents to the gas tank. Inside the tank, Border Patrol found 15 bundles of cocaine worth an estimated street value of $396,800.

All the suspected smugglers and $683,000 worth of narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and two pickup trucks were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

New Secure Communities immigration report shows Warren Institute liberal bias

2011-12-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

Now that the GOP presidential candidates opened the proverbial immigration can of worms, the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) decided to reexamine a Warren Institute study that is being touted on both sides of the political aisle.

Looking at ICE’s Secure Communities program, CIS found the Warren Institute report (located at the University of California, Berkeley Law School) is misleading. CIS released its first in a three-part series report using the identical database that the Warren Institute's analyzed.

After obtaining the documents from a Freedom of Information Act request, CIS concluded the Institute report contained factual flaws.

CIS contends that the Warren Institute obtained the ICE records and those documents reveal a disturbing pattern of abuse of authority by Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE). The Warren Institute further claims ICE participated in numerous unlawful actions including; wrongful arrests of thousands of U.S. citizens, a pattern of racial profiling against Latinos, and denial of due process for aliens in removal proceedings.

The allegations made by the Warren Institute has since made main-stream media headlines as well as captured many Congressional members attention.

While the Center for Immigration Studies agrees “the ICE database does provide an interesting and relatively rare snapshot of the actual Secure Communities caseload,” they found that the records they reexamined didn’t support any allegations that ICE abused their authority.

Some of the results from the CIS study include;

* The database contains no records of U.S. citizens who were detained by or for ICE. It is impossible to assert based on this data, as the critics have, that thousands of U.S. citizens, or any number of U.S. citizens, have been arrested by ICE through Secure Communities.
* The Warren Institute report contains serious methodological and interpretive errors that lead its authors to unsubstantiated conclusions and cast doubt on the credibility of the entire analysis. For example, the authors analyzed only 23 percent of the original random sample requested from ICE.
* ICE’s failure to counter the report’s misleading statements is contributing to the spread of misconceptions about Secure Communities among the media, state and local leaders, and the public. This raises doubts as to the agency leaders’ commitment to full and effective implementation of the program.
* We agree with the Warren Institute authors on the issue of the need for improved transparency at ICE and its parent Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The first set of findings can be found online at http://cis.org/SC-by-the-numbers-critique-part1.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

ATF F&F hearing yields little new information- Holder on track for a "mulligan"

2011-12-08T19:27:00.001-08:00

Earlier today the Department of Justice (DOJ) Attorney General Eric Holder walked into the line of fire when he appeared in front of the House Judiciary Committee hearing concerning the controversial Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) disastrous “Fast and Furious” investigation.

The Attorney General took rapid fire questions from GOP representatives seeking answers for the failed “gunwalking” program that resulted in the murder of at least one Border Patrol Agent, Brian Terry, and more than 200 Mexican citizen deaths. From the get go Mr. Holder made it clear that the approximately 2,000 high-powered guns that ATF let “walk” into Mexico will turn up at crime scenes in both countries for years to come.

However, the day-long hearing revealed little new information and yielded no acceptance of responsibility from Holder. He simply doubled-down on DOJ's innocence regarding the (mis) handling of the botched gun-running investigation.
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It’s been almost a year since Border Patrol Agent Terry was callously gunned-down in the Arizona desert by “rip crew” bandits using guns the U.S. government let “walk” into the hands of brutal Mexican drug cartels. During the past year, Agent Terry’s family has witnessed a cover-up by ATF and DOJ and seen no compassion or concern from Mr. Holder regarding the murder of their son.

Instead, the agent’s murder has resulted in a firestorm of inquiry for ATF and DOJ led by Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA), Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform committee. Despite Issa’s vigorous inquisition, the DOJ still has not told Congress who knew what, and when.

It was just a week ago when the AG’s office asked for a “mulligan” on a letter their office issued to Congress that misstated “Fast and Furious” facts. The DOJ letter stated that ATF’s fatally-flawed “gunwalking” investigation did not allow guns to walk across the border and into the hands of Mexican drug cartels. The DOJ letter lied and ATF did allow guns to leave their jurisdiction and cross the Mexican border.

This led Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) to ask AG Holder a direct question regarding the art of lying; “Tell me what's the difference between lying and misleading Congress, in this context?”

Holder's reply seemed like a non-answer. “Well, if you want to have this legal conversation, it all has to do with your state of mind and whether or not you had the requisite intent to come up with something that would be considered perjury or a lie,” Holder admitted. “The information that was provided by the February 4th letter was gleaned by the people who drafted the letter after they interacted with people who they thought were in the best position to have the information.”

Holder’s answer harkened back to President Bill Clinton’s definition of “what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is.”

Nevertheless Republican committee members echoed the same mantra all day- that heads needed to roll for the failed Fast and Furious investigation. And, it appears the Obama Administration is positioning Holder’s long-time friend, confidant and DOJ Assistant AG of the Criminal Division underling Lanny Breuer to be the fall guy.

It was recently discovered emails discussing the ATF “gunwalking” operation that provoked Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley to call for Breuer’s firing earlier this week.

“The real shock was how Mr. Breuer had responded within his own Department when earlier ‘gunwalking’ was first brought to his attention in April 2010. He didn’t tell the Attorney General. He didn’t tell the Attorney General’s Chief of Staff. He didn’t tell the Deputy Attorney General. He didn’t tell the Inspector General. Instead, he simply told his deputy to meet with ATF leadership and inform them of the ‘gunwalking’ so they knew the bad stuff that could come out,” Grassley said.

The final squabble of the day squared Rep. Issa’s sharp- tongue questions surrounding Holder’s continued stonewalling tactics of Fast and Furious. Issa reminded the Attorney General that he could be held in contempt of Congress if he continued to block Congressional members request for documents, to which Holder replied; “Have you no shame?”

But Issa countered Holder’s political gamesmanship with; “No, have you no shame?”

Up next – House committee members will now flood Eric Holder’s office with a litany of follow-up questions, but the answers will not be disclosed until after the holiday season. Stay tuned for more ATF Fast and Furious updates.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Obama’s DOJ to sue UC San Diego for asking non-citizens to prove right to work

2011-12-06T15:30:00.001-08:00

After an independent investigation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said they are filing of a lawsuit against a University of California, San Diego Medical Center. The DOJ alleges that the medical center violated the employment eligibility verification process by asking non-citizens to produce paperwork to prove they are allowed to work in the U.S. against people who are authorized to work in the United States.

The DOJ found that the UC medical center engaged in a pattern of requiring non-U.S. citizen hires to produce documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in order to verify or re-verify their employment eligibility. The independent investigative team also claims the medical center did not ask U.S. citizens to show their documentation.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act’s (INA) anti-discrimination provision, employers are prohibited from placing undue burdens on work-authorized employees during the hiring and employment eligibility verification process.

“All workers who are authorized to work in the United States have the right to work without encountering discrimination because of their immigration status or national origin,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are committed to vigorously protecting authorized workers from discrimination in the hiring process and ensuring that employers uphold their obligations under the law.”

The DOJ complaint requests that the court prohibits future discrimination by UC San Diego, monetary damages for individuals affected by the medical centers hiring actions, as well as civil penalties.

The United States is represented in this matter by Luz V. Lopez-Ortiz and Ronald Lee, OSC Trial Attorneys.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Border Patrol in San Diego arrest convicted child molester

2011-12-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

San Diego Border Patrol agents apprehended a male 49-year-old Mexican national in the east county community of Jacumba for illegally entering the United States. However, Border Patrol agents learned the Mexican national was previously convicted of child molestation in the U.S.

Then felon illegally crossed the US/Mexican border with two other undocumented Mexican nationals.

According to Border Patrol Agent Scott Simon, “agents transported the group to a local Border Patrol station where processing and further investigation revealed the 49-year-old man had previously been incarcerated after being convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child in Orange, Calif. in 1996.”

Simon also pointed out that the illegal felon had been previously deported from the U.S. in 2005.

Currently the individual is in Department of Homeland Security custody and is awaiting trial for felony re-entry after deportation.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

2011-12-02T09:41:00.000-08:00

While President Obama continues his tax the millionaires (actually those who make $250,000 per year) mantra in order to pay for the payroll tax holiday set to expire in 30 days, California Governor Jerry Brown hoping to tax all residents in the not-so Golden State.

The Democratic leadership and union members in Sacramento are putting the final touches on a November 2012 ballot initiative that would make Californians the highest-taxed state in the nation.

Currently, California is facing monumental billion dollar budget shortfalls and Governor Brown wants residents to vote for a tax increase to narrow the gap. In June of this year, state legislators voted on a supposed-balance budget, but underestimating expenditures has left a $12.8 billion hole for the state.

Democrats are hoping good-natured residents will elect to increase the state sales tax by half-a-cent for the next four years.The tax measure would also levy a 1 percent income tax on income earners who make $250,000, 1.5 percent on income over $300,000 and a 2 percent income tax on those earning more than $500,000. Effectively the state income tax would increase from 10.3 percent to 12.3 percent making California the most expensive state to live. Governor Brown anticipates the increase will raise $7 billion, still shy of the $13 billion budget deficit.

California tax crusader, Richard Rider of San Diego Tax Fighters points out the hard reality for Golden State residents. “If passed, California will advance from the third highest income tax state to numero uno. Any sane rich person HAS to be thinking of moving out of the state.”

Rider explains that Maryland already enacted a smaller tax proposal with some glaring results. “About three years ago, Maryland raised its millionaires income tax. The following year, one out of every eight millionaires no longer filed Maryland income tax forms. A few died – the rest left. The net Maryland tax revenue from millionaires declined – and the state economy suffered from the loss of the big spenders. And the Maryland tax increase was only a FRACTION of the huge percentage increase being proposed by Governor Brown.”

To find out how dreadful California taxes are compared to the nation, please click Richard Rider’s Breaking Bad blog for complete up-to-date tax information; http://open.salon.com/blog/richard_rider/2011/11/30/breaking_bad_ca_vs_the_other_states_rev_112611

San Diego’s Stop Taxing Us has also indicated that the state doesn’t have a revenue problem, but a spending problem.

"The State of California is in the middle of a budget crisis and revenue is not the problem," said Dr. Gary Gonsalves, MD, the co-founder of Stop Taxing Us. "We have structural spending issues which must be fixed if the government of California is to live within its means." Gonsalves cites one of the biggest offenders is the state pension crisis and transfer payment programs. This is just a math problem. We can't raise taxes anymore; the people won't stand for it. If we can't raise taxes, how can we balance our budget? We have to cut spending."

Rhonda Deniston, a director of Stop Taxing Us, argued against the higher taxes being proposed in Sacramento. "Every time California raises taxes, productive individuals flee the state, taking businesses and jobs with them."

In an effort to curb California’s spending problem, Stop Taxing Us has proposed “The Promise to California Taxpayers. We intend to offer the Promise as a way for fiscal conservatives, regardless of party affiliation, to articulate clearly that raising taxes is something they will never, ever do. We want to make it easy for candidates to tell the voters where they stand. Additionally, we want California taxpayers to know which candidates protect them and, should the unfortunate happen...that is... if a candidate breaks his/her promise in office, we want to let the taxpayers know that their governing actions were inconsistent with their campaign rhetoric," said Brian Brady of Stop Taxing Us.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Sophisticated San Diego border tunnel discovered

2011-12-01T09:23:00.001-08:00

A sophisticated cross-border tunnel was located Tuesday that connected Tijuana, Mexico to San Diego. Investigators explained the tunnel netted more than 32 tons of marijuana and six arrests.

The 612-yard elaborate passageway consisted of ventilation, electric rail-like cars, electricity, reinforced walls and wooden floors.

The tunnel’s Tijuana entrance was accessed by a hydraulically-controlled steel door and an elevator located beneath the storehouse floor.

The discovery of the drug smuggling tunnel came after Customs and Border Protection (CBP) followed a tractor trailer loaded with drugs to Los Angeles. CBP agents alerted San Diego authorities once the driver and three other Hispanic individuals unloaded the contents into a nondescript warehouse.

Once U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) moved in, they took custody and seized approximately 11 tons of marijuana packed inside the truck's trailer. Federal agents said their actions resulted in the interdiction of more than 32 tons of marijuana with an estimated street value of nearly $65 million.
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The tunnel task force said they were confident the passageway was recently open.

"From the conditions inside the passageway and our ongoing investigation, we're confident we've been able to shut this operation down before the perpetrators were able to use it for smuggling narcotics," said Derek Benner, special agent in charge for ICE HSI in San Diego. "It's clear though, from the level of sophistication involved, that the criminal organization responsible for constructing this tunnel had very ambitious plans."

Staying one-step ahead of the drug-cartels tunneling tactics is the result of the multi-agency task force that focuses solely on drug and human smuggling along the southwest border.

"This is yet again an example of what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies join forces to address a common threat," said San Diego Chief Patrol Agent Paul A. Beeson. "It clearly demonstrates that the hard work of the men and women on this interagency taskforce can and will make a significant impact on the security of our nation."

"The Tunnel Task Force, working together with the Government of Mexico, is putting a stranglehold on the cartels' ability to smuggle drugs into the United States," said William R. Sherman, acting special agent in charge of the DEA in San Diego. "Seizing close to 50 tons of marijuana in one month denies the cartels the financial means to continue their operations."

The San Diego Tunnel Task Force consists of representatives from ICE HSI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Auction website eBay urges Congress to not tax small businesses

2011-11-30T09:35:00.000-08:00

In testimony to the House Judiciary Committee, eBay, the country’s largest small business auction website, said the government’s attempt to levy a sales tax would kill jobs in the middle of a recession.

At the hearing, eBay said hundreds of thousands of small business entrepreneurs can use their low-cost platform to open a business outside their geographic location. This wildly popular website literally opens a small town business to the world.

“You hear a lot about fairness in this debate. Some have claimed that a ‘level playing field’ means all retailers using the Internet should be held to the same remote sales tax standard,” said Tod Cohen Vice President of Global Government Relations and Deputy General Counsel for eBay Inc. “However, sameness is not fairness. Small businesses retailers face many competitive disadvantages when compared to larger retailers. They have proportionally higher costs of doing business, including providing employee benefits.”
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Across the country, small businesses continue to lose ground with large corporations and eBay suggests their business model provides entrepreneurs with an outlet to compete in a global market place.

“Do those who want a ‘level playing field’ demand that all small business retailers get the same tax credits, the same sales tax exclusions and the same shipping rates? If and when they do, we will be the first to endorse changing Quill and lifting the prohibition against remote sales tax collection and remittance,” Cohen explained to Congress.

In an effort to provide Congressional members with an alternative to a straight tax, eBay executives suggested Congress should provide entrepreneurs with a small business exemption.

“Congress has the power to address abuses and inequities without raising new costs on small business retail entrepreneurs,” Cohen said. “A real Small Business Exemption would do that. A real Small Business Exemption would protect small retailers who are already falling behind. Permanently protecting small business retailers from national remote sales tax collection burdens will promote new retail competition.”

EBay also pointed to the Census Bureau and Forrester Research that showed “in-store retail represents 93 percent of all retail in 2012 and only 7 percent represents online retail.” Small eBay businesses argue this small number should exempt them from a remote sales tax.

Small business entrepreneurs said they operate with a razor-thin profit margin and say shipping costs eat at their bottom line. If Washington added a remote sales tax many businesses would be forced to close down, according to eBay.

For these reasons, eBay and many of their users support House Resolution 95, a bi-partisan resolution that opposes new tax collection requirements for small online businesses with a small market share.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Getting married to legalize those illegally in the country remains popular in U.

2011-11-29T08:41:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time marriage was proposed and a happily ever after soon followed. However, a backlog of legal immigration applications has given way to an easier way to legalize one’s status- fraudulent marriage.

In the last three years, the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) found that 264,000 to 317,000 resident aliens obtained legal status through marriage.

According to CIS, “The other major finding from the table is that most of the spouses are not new arrivals at all; they are in the nation in some other status (legal or illegal) and so, in immigration-speak, they ‘adjust status’ here, rather than come through the ports of entry.”

In other words, it’s becoming more commonplace to obtain a visa through fraudulent marriages. Some of these marriages take place under shady circumstances. Former ICE agent John Sakelarides says many illegal aliens dupe an unsuspecting American citizen, and once the proverbial honeymoon is over, so is life as they knew it. “They often charge the U.S. citizen with abuse and/or battery knowing they will get their legal papers even sooner.”
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A 2005 Government Accountability Office report on U.S. immigration practices found that approximately 20 percent of visa applications are filed under “marriage, spouse and family.” However, a bureaucratic United States Citizenship Immigration Services (USCIS) program doesn’t aggressively prosecute “benefit fraud.”

“Theoretically, they (illegal aliens) face up to five years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both. However, the real story? It’s hardly prosecuted. The why is the subject of the story; ‘It’s no big deal.’ Tell that to the US citizen who has been emotionally abused, falsely accused, and their life turned upside down,” said Sakelarides (See 8 USC 1325 ( c ).

Keeping this in mind, it is up to immigration officers to navigate the murky waters of potential marriage fraud. In the U.S., the waiting period to garner the coveted “green card” makes the most sense for those individuals seeking legality in the country. Experts contend that this program needs to be refined in order to root out the lawful marriages and those with more sinister motives.

The numbers below were provided through the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS)--David North.

Visas Created by Migrating Spouses and Fiancé(e)s, FYs 2008-2010

Spouses of U.S. citizens- 264,062/ FY08, 317,129/ FY09 and 271,909/ FY10.

Spouses of PRAs (2FA)- 35,608/ FY08, 26,622/ FY09, 20,635/ FY10.

Immigrant totals; 296,670/ FY08, 343,751/ FY09, 292,544/ FY10.

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© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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ICE warns cyber shoppers to beware of criminal enterprises

2011-11-28T10:29:00.001-08:00

As “Black Friday” madness grabbed headlines for skirmishes and tramplings over the weekend, Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) warned “Cyber Monday” shoppers to beware of criminal enterprises lurking on the Internet.

“For most, the holidays represent a season of good will and giving, but for these criminals, it’s the season to lure in unsuspecting holiday shoppers,” said ICE Director John Morton. “More and more Americans are doing their holiday shopping online, and they may not realize that purchasing counterfeit goods results in American jobs lost, stolen American business profits and American consumers receiving substandard products. The ramifications can be even greater because the illicit profits made from these types of illegal ventures often fuel other kinds of organized crime.”

For many customers, shopping online provides an alternative to busy malls and crowded parking lots, but federal law enforcement officials say online purchases provide criminals with the perfect opportunity for intellectual and identity theft.
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“The theft of intellectual property, to include the trafficking of counterfeit goods, creates significant financial losses,” said FBI Section Chief Zack Miller of the Cyber Division. “The FBI aggressively pursues intellectual property enforcement through traditional investigative methods, intelligence initiatives and coordinated efforts with private industry and domestic and foreign law enforcement partners.”

Gearing up for the busy holiday season the Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the ICE-led National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), and the FBI Washington Field Office announced “Operation in Our Sites.” The joint operation executed 150 commercial websites seizures that were engaged in the illegal sale and distribution of counterfeit goods and copyrighted products.

Federal law enforcement agents made a broad series of undercover purchases including professional sports jerseys, Hollywood DVD sets, brand name footwear, designer handbags and sunglasses, all representing a variety of trademarks.

The 150 seized domains are now in federal custody. Website visitors will now discover a seizure banner that announces the domain name has been seized by federal authorities for willful copyright infringement.

To report IP theft or to learn more about the IPR Center, visit www.IPRCenter.gov or www.justice.gov/dag/iptaskforce/.

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© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Obama pardons several drug-related criminals

2011-11-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

While Border Patrol agents put their lives on the line every day to stop drug smuggling along the nation’s southern border, President Obama announced yesterday he is pardoning several drug-related convicted felons.

The pardons draw attention to the recent conviction of Border Patrol Agent Jesus “Chito” Diaz. He was sentenced to two years in federal prison for allegedly lifting the handcuffs of a known-drug dealer in Texas.

The conviction drew the attention of numerous Congressmen who sent a letter to president Obama asking for the release of Agent Diaz. So far there has been no response from the White House or the Department of Justice who headed the prosecution of the Border Patrol agent.

The following is a list of the Presidential pardons;

PARDONS:

• Lesley Claywood Berry Jr. - Loretto, Ky.
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Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture, possess with intent to distribute, and distribute marijuana, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 846.
Sentence: April 29, 1988; District of Minnesota; three years in prison.

• Dennis George Bulin - Wesley Chapel, Fla.

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 1,000 pounds of marijuana, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846 and 18 U.S.C. § 2.
Sentence: March 10, 1987; Middle District of Alabama; five years of probation and $20,000 fine.

• Ricky Dale Collett - Annville, Ky.

Offense: Aiding and abetting in the manufacture of 61 marijuana plants, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 18 U.S.C. § 2.
Sentence: March 7, 2002; Eastern District of Kentucky; one year of probation conditioned on 60 days of home detention.

• Martin Kaprelian - Park Ridge, Ill.

Offense: Conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce, 18 U.S.C. § 371; transporting stolen property in interstate commerce, 18 U.S.C. § 2314; concealing stolen property that was transported in interstate commerce, 18 U.S.C. § 2315.
Sentence: Feb. 1, 1984; Northern District of Illinois; nine years in prison, five years of probation.

• Thomas Paul Ledford - Jonesborough, Tenn.

Offense: Conducting and directing an illegal gambling business, 18 U.S.C. § 1955.
Sentence: June 12, 1995; Eastern District of Tennessee; one year of probation conditioned on performance of 100 hours of community service.

COMMUTATION:

• Eugenia Marie Jennings - Alton, Ill.

Offense: Distribution of cocaine base, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).
Sentence: Feb. 23, 2001; Southern District of Illinois; 262 months in prison, eight years of supervised release, $1,750 fine.
Terms of commutation: Prison sentence to expire on Dec. 21, 2011, leaving intact and in effect the eight-year term of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

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© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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California DOJ to gut drug, gang & organized crime task forces

2011-11-21T08:55:00.000-08:00

The latest victim of the California budget crisis will leave Californians besieged with criminals and fewer law enforcement agents.

California’s Democrat Governor Jerry Brown approved a budget earlier this year that calls for reduced DOJ funding. The cuts leave many drug-related investigations in the lurch and force local law enforcement agencies to reorganize manpower and funds.

Senior level federal agents say overreaching budget cuts in the state’s Department of Justice (DOJ) clips 34 of the 52 successful anti-crime task forces.

The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement and the Bureau of Investigation and Intelligence (BII) are expected to absorb the lion share of the $71 million in proposed cuts. Also, approximately 170 task-force agents will either receive pink slips or demotions.

“Unless we receive some definite answer or information prior to December 31st of this year, we're going to have to walk out on approximately 200 people who assist law enforcement on a daily basis,” explained Larry Wallace the DOJ’s director of Law Enforcement. He also warned Californians that these cuts have the potential to increase crime throughout the state.
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These draconian-like cuts would all but eliminate the nation’s premier marijuana task force responsible for seizing 72 percent of the nation’s pot plants. The Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) is responsible for confiscating more than $70 billion worth of weed in the last seven years.

More political football

California is a bastion for politics, and like Washington D.C., leaders continue to play politics with the state’s future.

“Like most other recipients in the California budget in the past 20 years, DOJ has become a political football. It has become administratively top heavy with appointments to posts by Sacramento as political favors,” according to Police- A Law Enforcement magazine report. “This proposed $71 million in reductions would cut out the working staff but leave many of the political appointments in place. Depending on the political shifting winds in Sacramento, the BNE has been pulled out of its role fighting drug traffickers and organized crime to serving the ‘for show’ politically correct issues such as Department of Recycling (DOR). DOJ agents who are expert in investigating criminal gangs and organized crime have been reassigned to fight recycling fraud and environmental issues.”

This worries Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) personnel who complain they don’t have the necessary resources to combat trans-national cartel organizations.

One program responsible for curtailing cartel activities is the San Diego task force dealing with the Arellano-Felix drug and human trafficking organization. DOJ agents have already been removed from this task force; a decision will cost the DOJ millions in seized proceeds.

In the past, California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris has taken credit for Justice-led operations that targeted the Sinaloa cartel. A recent seizure netted 18.5 kilos of cocaine worth an estimated $1.85 million.

"This operation is an example of the complex and multi-jurisdictional work that Department of Justice agents do every day to keep California safe," AG Harris said. "I commend these agents for their bravery and professional excellence."

However, law enforcement officers contend that the proposed cuts from the DOJ task forces would dramatically reduce the multi-agency efforts required to target the transnational gangs that fuel Mexico’s war on drugs.

Officials conclude by saying, the only folks happy with the cuts are criminal gangs and cartel members.

San Diego Rep. Hunter sends Obama a letter on jailed Border Patrol agent

2011-11-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

GOP Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) sent a letter to President Obama, requesting a detailed description of the Department of Justice’s prosecution of Border Patrol Agent Jesus “Chito” Diaz for essentially lifting the handcuffs of a 15-year-old known drug smuggler.

The letter had 36 other Members of Congress signatures looking for answers regarding the harsh two-year federal prison sentence.

It was reported today that the Mexican government requested Agent Diaz’s be prosecuted despite the fact Agent Diaz was previously cleared of any wrongdoing by department investigators.

“In two separate letters, I’ve asked the Attorney General to provide information and take action on what has proven to be a serious miscarriage of justice,” said Rep. Hunter. “The Attorney General has been silent so far, perhaps because he’s busy making excuses on why he should not be held accountable for Operation Fast & Furious.”
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Meanwhile, Agent Diaz’ wife, Diana, must now pay $7,000 in court fines.

Mrs. Diaz is working with Law Enforcement Officers Advocates Council (LEOAC), to get her husband, “Chito,” cleared of all charges. Andy Ramirez, LEOAC’s director said; “We will continue to lead this fight and stand by Chito, Diana, and their children until his name is cleared. Having worked on as many cases as we have, this one is, without question, the most atrocious yet. It is clear that our government gave Mexico City the scalp of yet another agent.”

This is a position echoed by Congressman Hunter.

“This prosecution cannot be allowed to stand. Someone—whether the Attorney General or the President—needs to provide answers on why a two-year prison term is justified and what motivated the U.S. Attorney’s Office in West Texas, the same office that prosecuted Ramos and Compean, to go after Agent Diaz.”

Agent Diaz remains behind bars and will miss Christmas with his wife and six children if Attorney General Eric Holder or President Obama do not take up the case.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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Sixth largest cross border drug tunnel discovered in San Diego

2011-11-17T09:37:00.001-08:00

A tunnel found in San Diego was more than four football fields long, 20-feet deep and fully ventilated. The drug-smuggling corridor entrances were located in two warehouses that straddled the U.S./Mexico border.

A multi-agency border tunnel task force discovered the sophisticated passageway yesterday, number 75 in the last four years, when surveillance of the warehouse drew suspicious concerns from law enforcement. Once officials executed a federal search warrant, authorities discovered a 20-foot hole in the warehouse and recovered approximately 6 1/2 additional tons of marijuana. U.S. agents then alerted Mexican officials that the tunnel led to another warehouse in Tijuana, Mexico where they recovered approximately six tons of cannabis.

The tunnel, measuring approximately four feet by three feet, contained structural supports, electricity as well as ventilation. Authorities said evidence inside the tunnel suggested the passageway was only recently completed.

A suspicious cargo truck leaving the border region warehouse prompted California Highway Patrol to pull over the vehicle where they found three tons of marijuana in the trailer. Officers apprehended the driver, Cesar Beltran-Zamoran, and passenger, Ruben Gomez-Hernandez who face federal narcotics smuggling charges, according to officials. Gomez told authorities he would receive $2,000 to smuggle the marijuana into the U.S.
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“The discovery of this tunnel is a tribute not only to the effectiveness of our joint investigative efforts, but also to the significant benefits we're gaining by using new technology to target this kind of smuggling activity,” said Derek Benner, special agent in charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego. “The drug cartels mistakenly believe they can elude detection by taking their contraband underground, but, again and again, we've been able to find these tunnels and shut them down.”

The San Diego tunnel represents the third such passageway detected this year and reveals U.S. officials continue to fight drug smuggling along the southern border.

“The fact that this is the third sophisticated cross border tunnel found within a year's time demonstrates the cartels will stop at nothing to smuggle their drugs into the United States,” said William R. Sherman, acting special agent in charge for the DEA in San Diego. “The seizure of marijuana coupled with the loss of yet another tunnel will deal a heavy blow to those responsible for constructing this tunnel.”

The tunnel is the sixth largest drug smuggling passageway discovered in San Diego since 2006.

The San Diego Tunnel Task Force includes representatives from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement.

The multi-agency group uses a variety of techniques to detect cross-border tunnels, from state-of-the-art electronic surveillance to old school detective work. The group also relies on tips from the public to protect the border region from criminal activity.

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© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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Another unauthorized beach landing by illegal drug smugglers in San Diego

2011-11-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

A 25-foot panga boat loaded with 1,460 pounds of marijuana landed under the cover of darkness on a north San Diego County beach earlier today. Border Patrol agents quickly responded to the beach landing and apprehended three men for attempting to smuggle drugs into the U.S.

The panga-style boat was spotted by the California National Guard Entry Identification Team that assists with Border Patrol maritime enforcement, who observed a suspicious boat traveling along the San Diego County coastline near Carlsbad.

“Border Patrol agents responded to the area and observed the boat had come ashore just north of the [Carlsbad] power plant,” said Scott Simon a spokesman for Border Patrol. “Agents conducted a search of the area and arrested a 31-year-old Mexican national and a 29-year-old United States citizen who had fled from the beached boat. A search of the panga revealed five fuel containers and 19 bundles of marijuana with a total weight of 1459.9 pounds and an estimated street value of $729,950.”
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The Carlsbad Police also conducted a search of the area and located another individual inside a vehicle. “They [Carlsbad Police] stopped a suspicious vehicle for further questioning… Border Patrol agents responded to the scene and took custody of a 29-year-old Nicaraguan national who was legally present in the U.S,” according to Simon.

The three suspected drug smugglers, marijuana, car, and panga boat were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Marine Task Force for further examination.

The Maritime Unified Command utilizes the fusion of law enforcement agencies, intelligence, planning and operations to target the threat of transnational crime along the Southern California coastal border. Border Patrol encourages residents to report suspicious maritime activity to the Joint Harbor Operations Center at 1-800-854-9834.

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© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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California’s “golden” status set to run out of money in two weeks

2011-11-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

Once famous for the “gold rush,” California’s fertile land drew anybody who wanted to strike it rich, sadly those days are long gone and have been replaced with tax and spend policies that have ended in massive deficits.

California’s financials offer proof that the month of October painted serious accounting problems for the state. According to the October Statement of General Fund Cash Receipts and Disbursements report from California State Controller John Chaing, the state’s income plunged by $3.6 billion. On the other side of the balance sheet, California’s spendaholic ways will increase by $10.2 billion this year. The governor and state legislators don’t seem to be smarter than a fifth grader- that's a $6.6 billion deficit.

According to Chriss Street of Cal Watchdog, “California has already drawn down 85 percent of its credit lines and only has $4 billion remaining to fund a $13.8 billion deficit. With the same sovereign credit rating as basket-case Portugal, California’s debt is at maximum risk of being downgraded to ‘junk’ bonds. With credit lines almost tapped-out, the sovereign debt crisis that has hammered Europe may arrive in America.”
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For the past few years California, like the federal government, has stayed afloat by borrowing money. However, unlike the federal government, California cannot print money, and is set to run out of “borrowed” cash in a couple of weeks.

While President Barrack Obama’s Administration tries to decide if Italy or Greece is too big to fail, the once “Golden State” is teetering on bankruptcy and risks a devastating new trend for America.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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State Department expedites college visas to attract more foreign students

2011-11-14T13:25:00.001-08:00

In an effort to attract foreign students to study in the United States, the U.S. Department of State (DoS) highlighted efforts to draw future leaders from abroad to attend American colleges.

“We recognize that foreign students bring with them tremendous intellectual, social, and economic benefits,” a Department of State spokesperson said.

The DoS explained they will begin to expedite student visas and that the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs will give student visa appointments special priority.

However, DoS didn’t explain what the expedited process would entail and how they would ensure student visas would not end up in the hands of terrorists like the 9/11 bombers.

Despite some concerns, all U.S. embassies and consulates will process foreign students’ visas within 15 days “to ensure qualified students are able to begin their academic program on time. Worldwide, the maximum wait for a student visa appointment is fewer than 15 days. Foreign students can apply for their visas up to 120 days before their academic programs begin. We always encourage all visa applicants to apply early,” DoS explained.
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Calling the program critical to train worldwide students in an increasing global marketplace, DoS cites that the international student body grew by nine percent last year.

“The consistent growth in international enrollments in the United States attests to the universally recognized pre-eminence of the country’s higher education system… Studying in the United States brought $21.3 billion into the domestic economy. Most importantly, educational exchanges foster mutual understanding, respect, and goodwill between Americans and people around the world,” the DoS finished.

Meanwhile, U.S. students continue to face steep college tuition increases- a hardship that has many students dropping out of universities and joining a stagnant work environment.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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DHS set to employ 50,000 returning military veterans by 2012

2011-11-09T12:01:00.001-08:00

The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) new mission, according to Secretary Janet Napolitano, is to have 50,000 veterans employed at the agency by the end of 2012.

Secretary Napolitano announced that “DHS spent more than $1.4 billion with veteran owned small businesses, and surpassed the Small Business Administration's target of spending 3 percent of all contracting dollars with service disabled veteran owned businesses.”

The agency says they recognize the numerous sacrifices veterans make for America, and have developed three strategic objectives to connect with veterans in fulfilling DHS missions: Increasing veteran employment opportunities; expanding contracting opportunities for veteran-owned businesses, and enhancing veteran engagement within the Department of Homeland Security.

Veterans currently comprise 25 percent of all DHS civilian employees, as well as 49,000 active duty and reserve members of the U.S. Coast Guard.

These veterans reportedly serve in support of a full range of mission areas, like Transportation Security Officers, Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, Federal Protective Service officers, and inside headquarters.
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The agency also participates in several veteran programs, including Operation Warfighter and the Wounded Warrior Program. These veteran-specific programs are structured to recruit and hire veterans, as well as assist disabled veterans expand skills and transition to the civilian workforce.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Holder testifies no apology needed for Fast and Furious murdered Agent Terry

2011-11-08T10:18:00.001-08:00

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder testified to the Judiciary Committee, under oath, that no apologies are needed for the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosive’s (ATF) ill-fated gun-walking program that claimed the life of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.

Agent Terry was murdered by known-drug smugglers in December of last year. The suspect allegedly used a gun from the Fast and Furious investigation.

Senator John Cornyn (R), whose state of Texas has been the recipient of Fast and Furious guns; ask AG Holder a direct question regarding apologizing for the death of Agent Terry.

“Have you apologized to the family of Brian Terry?”

Holder replied; “I have not apologized. But I certainly regret what happened.”

Cornyn continued; “Have you even talked to them (the family)?”

“I have not,” Holder said.

The Senator continued to ask Holder; “Would you like to apologize for this program that went so wrong, that took the life of a United States law enforcement agent?”
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Holder finished the questioning with; “I certainly regret what happened… I can only imagine the pain his family is feeling… We are not prepared to bury our kids… (However) it’s not fair to assume, however, the mistakes that happened with Fast and Furious directly led to the death of Agent Terry.”

Check back for more details on the Judiciary hearing…

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© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

White House turns its focus to job creation for veterans coming home from war

2011-11-08T08:41:00.001-08:00

The White House along with many veterans’ organizations announced support for the Returning Heroes and Wounded Warrior Tax Credits that will provide military personnel easier entry into the civilian workforce.

The White House said the Returning Heroes Tax Credit incentivizes companies that hire unemployed veterans with a tax credit of $5,600 per veteran. Similarly, the Wounded Warriors Tax Credit would offer employers that hire veterans with service-connected disabilities a tax credit of $9,600.

“No veteran should have to fight for a job at home after they fight for our nation overseas,” said President Barrack Obama. “Congress should pass the Returning Heroes and Wounded Warrior tax credits, but we can’t wait for Congress to act. That’s why today, I am directing my Administration to move forward with three initiatives that will help make it easier for veterans to find jobs when they return home. Unfortunately, we have not yet seen progress in Congress.”
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While the overall program is welcomed by veterans across the country, the fact that Washington DC continues to play political football with the military issues angers most Americans.

“Senate Republicans have so far chosen to block these bills and these proposals,” the President said at a press conference earlier today. However, Obama demonstrates that he can’t resist injecting politics into the issue. The President knows it is the defection of a few Senate Democrats that effectively killed legislation.

However, in an effort to run against a do nothing Congress, Obama continues to skirt the Congressional process by submitting a flurry of executive orders. “As Commander-in-Chief, I won’t wait, nor will I let politics get in the way of making sure that veterans share in the opportunity that they defend. If Congress won’t act, I will.”

This political theater shouldn’t detract from the real issues of joblessness for America’s returning warriors. Leading support for the new program is the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

“The American Legion, on behalf of its 2.4-million members, appreciates the efforts of President Obama and Congress to curb the unacceptably high rate of unemployment among the men and women who have selflessly served our country,” said Peter Gaytan, Executive Director of the American Legion. “Tax credits will augment the good and patriotic intentions of employers with tangible, financial incentives. The rewards will be great for them and, most importantly, for the most deserving of our citizens, our military veterans.”

Americans agree, the jobless numbers for veterans remain too high. During the past decade, approximately 3 million service members have transitioned from a military career in to civilian life. This number is expected to increase by approximately one million veterans over the next five years as the wars in the Middle East continue to wind down.

“The men and women who have served and sacrificed for our nation deserve a square deal in the job market,” said Disabled American Veterans National Commander Donald L. Samuels.

The President also launched several programs that will make it easier for veterans to gain employment in the private sector. They include:

Veteran Gold Card: Effective today, Post-9/11 veterans will be able to download the Veteran Gold Card, which entitles them to enhanced services including six months of personalized case management, assessments and counseling, at the roughly 3,000 One-Stop Career Centers located across the country. This could help serve the more than 200,000 unemployed Post-9/11 veterans. The President directed the Department of Labor tolaunch this initiative in his August 5, 2011 speech at the Navy Yard.

My Next Move for Veterans: The Department of Labor will launch My Next Move for Veterans, a new online resource that allows veterans to enter their military occupation code and discover civilian occupations for which they are well qualified. The site will also include information about salaries, apprenticeships, and other related education and training programs.

Creating a Veterans Job Bank: Starting Monday, the Administration will launch the Veterans Job Bank, at National Resource Directory, an easy to use tool to help veterans find job postings from companies looking to hire them. It already searches over 500,000 job postings and is growing. In a few easy steps, companies can make sure the job postings on their own websites are part of this Veterans Job Bank.

This week marks Veteran’s Day and American workers and children will get a day off for reflection. “Standing up for our veterans is not a Democratic responsibility or a Republican responsibility, it is an American responsibility,” Obama finished.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Mexican Mafia leader a.k.a. “The Bat” sentenced to life in prison

2011-11-03T10:14:00.001-07:00

In California, it’s three strikes and life in prison, and in the case of Jose Alberto Marquez “The Bat” the rest of his life will be spent behind bars.

After a four-day trial, the known Mexican Mafia defendant received a guilty verdict for distributing methamphetamine and intent to distribute drugs.

According to evidence presented at trial by U.S Attorney Laura Duffy, “Marquez is a documented Member of the Mexican Mafia, a prison gang based out of Southern California. Jurors learned during the course of the trial that the Mexican Mafia uses violence and extortion to exert influence in both state and federal prisons and on the streets of Southern California. Leaders in the Mexican Mafia, like Marquez, are called Members. While most Members are in custody, they are still able to direct the activities of local gang members who are out of custody. These gang members constitute the associates and soldiers of the Mexican Mafia.”

Marquez was extradited from Mexico when he traveled south of the border to escape U.S. drug charges. He is also a recognized member of the Del Sol gang.
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Leading up to the trial “jurors learned that after April 2007, Marquez, orchestrated a methamphetamine deal from his jail cell involving multiple Mexican Mafia associates.”

Witnesses testified that “The Bat” operated business as usual drug sales while in jail.

Eyewitness testified in court that Marquez reached out to cartel associates using a telephone at the jail. However, unbeknownst to “The Bat,” those calls were recorded proving that even a jail cell would not hinder Marquez’s drug trafficking operation. Jurors also watched undercover video of drug sale transactions.

California’s three strikes rule ensures the Bat will never leave the prison system, but if history repeats itself, Marquez will attempt to move drugs while he serves time inside prison walls.

This investigation was conducted by the San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force - A Gang Group that investigates the illegal activities of the Mexican Mafia prison gangs in the U.S.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

New under-border tunnel found in San Diego- BP nets 5 illegals

2011-11-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

American authorities discovered a new under U.S./Mexico-border tunnel earlier today. Inside the tunnel, Border Patrol found five illegal border crossers trying to navigate through a cramped 2 ½-by-2 ½ foot conduit hole typically used for natural gas lines.

The four men a one woman were apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents near the secondary fence, according to BP Agent Michael Jimenez.

Agent Jimenez explained that Border Patrol located the illegal aliens entering the tunnel on the Mexican-side of the border and waited for them to cross. The first border crosser popped out of the tunnel on the U.S.-side and immediately requested assistance from Border Patrol agents.

Apparently, one of the men was lodged inside the tunnel and needed assistance from firefighters to wiggle out of the cramped tunnel.

According to Jimenez, another apprehended illegal alien told Border Patrol agents that they paid a human smuggler $5,000 to cross illegally into the U.S.

All of the illegal border crossers were taken into custody, where they will undergo identification checks to determine if they are wanted in connection with any other U.S. crimes. If they are first-timers, Border Patrol will most likely return them to their home nation.

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© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

To reach Kimberly Dvorak email; kimberly.dvorak@hotmail.com

Mexican soldiers seize large “pot-throwing” catapults from cartels

2011-11-02T10:45:00.001-07:00

With the nation’s southern border facing more scrutiny than ever before, it was the Mexican military that found large catapults typically used to sling illicit drugs over the border fence near Douglas, Arizona.

A statement released yesterday by Mexican authorities indicated they followed an anonymous tip to a border city neighborhood. Military troops entered an Agua Prieta house and located one catapult in a truck and another in the residence.

A search of the home led to the Mexican soldiers seizing 1.4 tons of marijuana that was headed to U.S. cities. Earlier this year, law enforcement agents said they nabbed two other drug-like catapults.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
To reach Kimberly Dvorak email; kimberly.dvorak@hotmail.com

Operation Pipeline Express in Arizona nets millions of dollars, drugs & firearms

2011-10-31T17:54:00.000-07:00

Arizona local, state and federal authorities publicized results of a nearly 18-month multi-agency drug cartel investigation. The joint-task force “Operation Pipeline Express” successfully brought down a billion-dollar narcotic ring in the Arizona desert.
The agencies represented included Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Attorney General’s, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) told media outlets that the Sinaloa drug cartel suffered a huge disruption from Arizona law enforcement.
“Today we have dealt a significant blow to a Mexican criminal enterprise that has been responsible for poisoning our communities with the distribution of millions of dollars' worth of marijuana, cocaine and heroin,” said Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne. “I find it completely unacceptable that Arizona neighborhoods are treated as a trading floor for narcotics. This case is the result of an outstanding partnership between federal and county law enforcement authorities and the Arizona Attorney General's office, which will handle the prosecution. These partnerships are essential to making sure these criminals experience the full force of the justice system.”
Authorities pointed out that the massive drug cartel ring built cells throughout western Arizona, and they used backpackers as well as vehicles to various “stash houses” which ultimately sent the illicit drugs to major U.S. cities.
This latest sweep was the third large-scale enforcement raids carried out under “Operation Pipeline Express.” So far, officials say 76 various cartel employees have been arrested. Last week’s warranted searches also netted two tons of marijuana, 19 firearms and $200,000.
“Through our joint efforts, we've sent a resounding message to the Mexican cartels that Arizona is off limits to their operatives,” said Matthew Allen, special agent in charge for HSI in Arizona. “As this case makes clear, law enforcement in Arizona is united in its resolve to protect our communities and our country from the scourge of large-scale narcotics trafficking. We stand ready to use every tool and resource at our disposal to attack and dismantle these organizations.”
While “Operation Pipeline Express” seized more than 3.3 million pounds of marijuana, 20,000 pounds of cocaine, 10,000 pounds of heroin and $2 billion in illicit proceeds, Arizona authorities garnered much-needed intelligence on the way the Sinaloa cartel operates.
“We in Arizona continue to stand and fight the Mexican drug cartels, who think they own the place,” said Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. “This is America and we shall bring a crushing hand of enforcement against those who threaten our families and our national security. While this is a historic drug bust, sadly this represents only a fraction of what my deputies face every day.”
Arizona law enforcement agencies said it appeared that the Sinaloa drug cartel garnered a huge-profit margin in western Arizona due to the lack of drug cartel competition.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
To reach Kimberly Dvorak email; kimberly.dvorak@hotmail.com

Armas Cruzadas- DHS Sec. Napolitano’s own Mexican gun-trafficking operation

2011-10-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

While Operation Fast and Furious remains a thorn in U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s side, it looks like Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano may soon begin sharing the pain.

Sec. Napolitano recently informed the House Judiciary Committee she had no knowledge of Fast and Furious, but omitted to mention her own department was running Operation Armas Cruzadas.

Operation Armas Cruzadas highlights another crucial factor – that the Mexican government had more of a role in the cartel arms trafficking business than just playing the victim.

This new information dovetails with complaints by Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) agents in the Phoenix office that complained Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from Team VII regularly called “dibs” on gun trafficking cases in order to “get credit” for splashy narco-related investigations. One agent explained that the atmosphere seemed more focused on press conferences and ego rather than commonsense.
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The DHS memorandum reveals that ICE ran Operation Armas Cruzadas with the full knowledge of Arturo Chávez Chávez,Mexican Attorney General in an effort to ostensibly prosecute cartels in Mexico using U.S. intelligence and agents. This is a departure from Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Operation Fast and Furious where the Mexican government claimed it knew nothing about the gun-walking program.

The Mexican Attorney General agreed it was beneficial for both “…governments to work in a coordinated fashion to prevent, discourage and process arms traffickers,” the documents disclosed.

These documents demonstrate ICE remains more involved in the gun trafficking business than anybody knew or Sec. Napolitano was willing to admit to Congress.

However, Operation Armas Cruzadas doesn’t seem to include any input by ATF agents and this arms trafficking investigation has escaped scrutiny by the media. Perhaps, a bloated-bureaucratic DHS crossed its fingers hoping Operation Armas Cruzadas would not be discovered by the media?

Also, intelligence gathering in a post 9/11 world has accomplished a couple of things; first, it makes it easier for agencies to conduct investigations with little oversight under the guise of national security. And second, the infamous new age of electronic intelligence gathering provides law enforcement agencies with plausible deniability.

This is the first report concerning Operation Armas Cruzadas and a series of stories will provide more information on this gun-trafficking program in the coming days.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

To reach Kimberly Dvorak email; kimberly.dvorak@hotmail.com

Drug seizures in San Diego continue with Border Patrol

2011-10-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

Interior Border Patrol checkpoints continue to slow drug smugglers progress and capture illicit drugs before they hit the streets. Yesterday, a Mexican national male, was apprehended when he tried to smuggle nine bundles of cocaine into the U.S.

“A Border Patrol K-9 team alerted to a blue 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee and agents subsequently discovered 21.2 pounds of cocaine hidden inside the vehicle’s spare tire with an estimated street value of $211,200,” according to Scott Simon, Border Patrol Agent from San Diego.

The alleged-drug smuggler and the cocaine were taken into custody and handed off to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to face charges.

Border Patrol Agents from interior checkpoints busted several U.S. citizens for trafficking marijuana this week. The agents found approximately 150 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $200,000. All the alleged-drug smugglers were arrested and booked into county jail. Border Patrol Agents detained the marijuana and vehicles.
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Since October 1, 2010, the San Diego Sector Border Patrol has seized approximately 2,331 pounds of cocaine, 578 pounds of methamphetamine and 68,722 pounds of marijuana.

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© Copyright 2011Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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California pension crisis tops the country’s debt at a whopping $612 billion

2011-10-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

A new PEW study puts California at the top of the pension debt crisis with at least $612 billion in obligations followed by New Jersey at $183 Billion and Illinois with a $150 billion.

The shocking new PEW study projected the country is on the hook for approximately $2 trillion dollars for all states, says Capoliticalnews.

“Using the higher pension gap number, State Budget Solutions said California is in the biggest financial hole — with total debt of more than $612 billion. New York follows with $305 billion of debt, and then Texas, with total debt of $283 billion. Vermont has the lowest amount of total debt at just over $6 billion,” a story from Bloomberg reported.

California’s State Controller John Chiang explains California’s state pension crisis is causing big headaches for state politicians. According to the state’s latest money projections, “the State ended last fiscal year with a cash deficit of $8.2 billion. The combined current year cash deficit stands at $17.6 billion. Those deficits are being covered with $12.2 billion of internal borrowing (temporary loans from special funds) and $5.4 billion of external borrowing).”
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When it comes to unemployment, 11.9 percent, California will borrow the most in the country to cover its unemployment benefit checks- $8.6 billion.

Keeping these financial concerns in mind California’s Governor, Jerry Brown will address state legislators on the pension tsunami flooding the state.

“Given the paramount importance of pensions to both taxpayers and public employees, it is absolutely critical that we carefully examine our current assumptions and practices,” Brown stated in a letter to Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino), and Assemblyman Warren Furutani (D-Gardena). “We have to do our best to make sure that we have a system that is fair and truly sustainable over the long time horizon that our pension and health systems require.”

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

RAND Corp. recalls study that crime increased after pot shops closed in LA

2011-10-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

A controversial study published by the RAND Corp. that claimed crime increased in Los Angeles after medical marijuana dispensaries were closed was officially retracted. The RAND study was published in September and linked increases in various crimes.

The controversial report prompted public safety advocates to question the study. A Santa Monica think-tank reviewed all the data used by RAND and found substantial discrepancies.

The review found the report did not include crime statistics reported by the Los Angeles Police Department. In light of this new information, RAND pulled the plug on the study. RAND also said they have plans to conduct a new analysis, but explained it will take many months to complete.

It appears the RAND authors did not know the third-party organization, CrimeReports.com, they used failed to include LAPD data, according to RAND Vice President of Infrastructure, Safety and Environment Debra Knopman.
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“The whole idea of the study was to try to get insight as to whether or not there was an effect on crime, whatever direction, as a consequence of the city's closure order of some dispensaries. Having an incomplete data set renders that kind of analysis invalid,” Knopman explained.

Knopman called the retraction a “rare failure” from RAND Corp.

“We take our commitment to quality and objectivity seriously, so we have retracted the study in order to correct it,” Knopman said.

In the future, RAND said it would be using crime data taken from police departments, instead of CrimeReports.com or other third party statisticians. Knopman finished by reiterating to readers; “I don't want to suggest in any way that they misrepresented the data or that they have any responsibility.”

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Border Patrol Agent Jesus Diaz gets two years in prison for handcuffing illegal

2011-10-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

Border Patrol Agent Diaz gets two years in prison for handcuffing illegal alien

Border Patrol Agent Jesus “Chito” Diaz received a two-year prison sentence for mishandling his handcuffs on a known-illegal alien drug smuggler. He was charged by the Obama Administration Justice Department using the vague “civil rights” strategy and was convicted last week of lifting the arms of a prisoner while handcuffed.

According to the Law Enforcement Officers Advocates Council, the government's case is based on false testimony that is contradicted by the facts. This includes the charge that Agent Diaz was physically abusive to the then minor "MBE" as noted by court documents and transcripts that Diaz allegedly put his knee on his back and pulled back on his handcuffs.

“However, given the time of day during the incident, October 16, 2008 at about 2 a.m. and lack of lighting it would be impossible to have actually seen much if anything. The agent who stood next to Mr. Diaz, Marco Ramos testified that he did not see anything that was claimed to have taken place,” Andy Ramirez, president of LEOAC explained. “Other witnesses made claims that were contradictory amongst each other, and some later admitted in court to having perjured themselves, including Gabriel Lerma. Such admissions were ignored by the court and government who continued the prosecution having filed charges against Mr. Diaz for lying to investigators.”

Despite the explanations, the Mexican Consulate pushed for charges against the Border Patrol agent. They contend the Mexican drug smuggler, a minor when he was arrested, was hit several times. The Mexican government also states the beatings continued because the drug smuggler could not give agents the name of his boss. The young drug smuggler also claimed the Border Patrol agent threatened him with continued violence until he provided agents with the name of his boss.
All these claims were disputed by Agent Diaz.

“The doper claimed he suffered no injuries during his testimony during the trial. He was sore from his shoulders. However, that was due to the weight of the drug load, approximately 75 pounds that he carried across the border. There were two dopers apprehended during the incident and 150 pounds total drugs seized. The court sealed the pictures of the doper, which would corroborate the defense that there were neither injuries received or bruising to his lower arms where the handcuffs were placed nor any bruising resulting from the alleged knee on his back. The only marks on his body came from the straps of the pack he carried containing the drugs,” Ramirez said.

Family member’s reaction to the harsh verdict turned to fear for “Chito’s” life as law enforcement officers are often prime targets for prison violence.

“I am coping with the fact that he could potentially be home in six months for good behavior,” said Diana Guadarrama Diaz, wife of Agent Diaz. “I am still angry and scared. Anything can happen inside prison walls.”

The perplexing conviction of a Border Patrol agent for handcuff abuse is certain to have a chilling effect for those agents in the field who encounter drug smugglers every day.

DOJ remains under fire for the weapons it let “walk” under Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF’s) Fast and Furious program. That failed program lead to the unsolved murders of Border Patrol Agents Brian Terry and Robert Rosas (two individuals have been incarcerated for the murder, but others remain at large) and the murder of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agent Jaime Zapata. These murders remain clear memories for agents arresting the barrage of drug smugglers that continue to cross the U.S./Mexico border.

“I think this case will not only affect Border Patrol agents, but all law enforcement officers whose job requires that they use handcuffs,” Mrs. Diaz explained. “It is rulings like these that give the drug cartels the power to run amok. How can a law enforcement officer do their job when they handcuff the individual for their own safety…?

She explains the looming threat of potentially violating suspect drug smugglers’ civil rights because handcuffing can cause pain is unfounded. “What's next? Will law enforcement be banned from talking to people? It’s no wonder cartels don't respect U.S. law enforcement. During sentencing, the judge said just because you have a badge and gun doesn't give you the right to violate a drug smugglers rights.”

As for “Chito,” he only needs to look back to the Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean case. The two Border Patrol Agents were arrested after chasing a fleeing illegal drug smuggler who was eventually shot in the butt. The Attorney General on the case, Johnny Sutton, went over and beyond his prosecution guidelines and the two agents were sentenced to prison. The public outcry was swift and loud. Talk radio refused to let the injustice stand, and after numerous Congressmen and Senator complaints, the two Border Patrol Agents had their prison sentences commuted by outgoing President George Bush.

“This case, unlike that one, is completely clean - defense wise. Judge directed him to apologize to the victim (not present), the nation, fellow BP Agents, his family... He refused and maintained silence,” Ramirez said. “The judge ignored numerous admissions by their own witnesses of perjury. Word is the government did not want this case sitting out there being campaigned on during the 2012 election cycle, so that Holder/DOJ leaned on the judge.”

Like the Ramos and Compean case, talk radio has picked-up the torch and family members are hopeful “Chito’s” name will be cleared. "We believe we can clear Agent Diaz' name given the facts in this case and contradictory statements by the ‘star witnesses,’" Ramirez said.

"While the sentence was light compared to what it could have been, Agent Diaz is a hero and this case should have never gone forward even at an administrative level against Chito, which was recommended by the Office of Professional Responsibility to CBP Internal Affairs. Chito was cleared previously by the Office of Inspector General and OPR regarding prosecution. So how this became a criminal case demands intense scrutiny and oversight. It should have been prosecuted against the dopers, and since then, those star witnesses who perjured themselves. Where is the justice in this case? Once again, our government is far more concerned with the so-called rights of criminal illegal-alien dopers than our agents who continue to be prosecuted for doing their job. Congress needs to investigate this case and the pattern of misconduct and abuse that has resulted in an innocent agent going to prison yet again," concluded Ramirez.

The kicker is the appeal will be heard before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, LA, the same court as the Ramos/Compean cases. So far there is no date for the hearing and experts say it will most likely take three years to reach a judge.

In the meantime, the Diaz family will try to live as normal a life as possible, grocery shopping, getting the children to and from school, homework and praying their father will come home safely.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/
© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Mexican long-haul trucks take to U.S. highways today, angers Teamsters

2011-10-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

Despite a protest rally from Teamsters, a speech from Jim Hoffa Jr. and bi-partisan Congressional members, Mexican long-haul trucks will take to U.S. highways today.

Safety standards and the threat of losing more than 100,000 truck driver jobs was not enough to sway the Obama Administration’s decision to allow Mexican trucks, approved through a North American Free Trade Association (NAFTA) pilot program, to gain access to U.S. and deliver their goods.

Using a Russian roulette analogy for Mexican truck safety standards, Hoffa said it would take a serious car accident to get Mexican trucks off the highways.

“This pilot program will be a fiasco, just like the last one was,” Hoffa told roughly 100 Teamsters at a San Diego border rally. “You know it’s trouble when the very first carrier that DOT approves is axed because of safety concerns. Department of Transportation (DOT) has never been able to verify the safety of Mexican trucks. That’s why the Teamsters for 17 years kept the border closed to a permanent program that would let any Mexican truck travel anywhere in the U.S.”

San Diego Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter Jr. and Democrat Bob Filner voiced their bi-partisan support of the Teamsters and vowed to continue the fight in the halls of Congress. “It’s about American jobs,” Hunter told the rowdy crowd. He also said the Mexican drug cartels would find a way to take advantage of the new trucking arrangement with America.

Rep. Filner agreed and added that “lives will be lost. I just hope it isn’t a school bus full of children.”

Another fear American truck drivers voiced concerned about was the loss of union wages. While many union truck drivers earn $250 for a trip from the border to Los Angeles, Mexican drivers could charge as little as $50 for the same trip.

Traditionally, the Teamsters have provided good-paying blue collar jobs for drivers throughout the country something they contend will be put in jeopardy if this pilot program is expanded. “The whole idea is to tear down the Teamsters,” said Richard Middleton, Vice President for the Teamsters International Western Region.

The new program will also affect local independent truck driving operators. Jose Escott, of Yucipa, California explained that he immigrated, legally, in 1987. “I gave up my Mexican passport and worked very hard to earn my business. I oppose this NAFTA program. It will kill the American spirit that I love and it will export trucking jobs to Mexico.”

Hoffa wrapped up the questions by pointing to the unsafe driving conditions south of the border. “This is not a level playing field. There were 10,000 hijackings in Mexico last year. What American truckers are going to put their lives on the line to deliver flat-screen TVs in Mexico?”

“We’ve had enough of this madness,” he finished.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Joining Forces initiative to put military families to work

2011-10-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden hit the campaign trail to support veterans and their military families. The American Logistics Association (ALA) is working with the First Lady to hire and train more than 100,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013.

The Joint Base Langley-Eustis stop is part of President Obama’s American Jobs Act bus tour that emphasizes the importance of hiring America’s veterans.

“The ALA’s commitment today is the largest coordinated effort by the private sector we’ve seen in years, maybe ever. And they’re making these hires not just because it’s the right thing to do or the patriotic thing to do. They’re doing it because it’s good for their bottom line. They know that these veterans and military spouses represent the best, and they want them on their team,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “And that’s what Joining Forces is about, tapping into all that goodwill that’s out there, all across America, in every sector of society, and channeling it into meaningful action that’s a win-win for everyone.”
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The President also suggested that Americans needed to take care of military members who fought against terrorists to ensure freedom.

“We ask our men and women in uniform to leave their careers, leave their families, and risk their lives to fight for our country,” President Obama explained. “The last thing they should have to do is fight for a job when they come home. That’s why I’ve made increasing job opportunities for veterans a critical priority for my Administration and why the American Jobs Act I proposed includes tax credits to make it easier for businesses to hire America’s veterans.”

The jobs for “veterans and their families” supporters include notable and easily recognizable U.S. companies committed to hiring those who served their country; Tysons Foods, Coca Cola, Unilever and ConAgra along with a multitude of specialty suppliers to the on-base military consumer channel.

To accomplish its goal, the new association will begin several on-going employment programs including the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) and the Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program.

Serving military families has been the focus of First Lady Michelle Obama’s attention during her time in the White House. Along with Jill Biden, the “Joining Forces program aims to educate, challenge, and spark action from all sectors of society to ensure veterans and military families have the support they have earned.”

The ALA’s pledge is to hire at least 25,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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Mocking airport TSA personnel could be a crime

2011-10-18T10:31:00.001-07:00

Congress is famous for writing and passing bills without reading them. The Committee on Homeland Security, under Republican Chairman Peter King, have inserted language that would make it a crime to make fun of Transportation Security Administration (TSA)… or their off-the-record name "Thousands Standing Around."

Reference to the latter could land anyone in TSA jail if H.R. 3011, The Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act of 2011 becomes law. Section 295, located on page 61 of H.R. 3011 contains fascinating language beginning on line six;

“Whoever, except with the written permission of the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Security (or the Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service for issues involving the Federal Air Marshal Service), knowingly uses the words ‘Transportation Security Administration’, ‘United States Transportation Security Administration’, ‘Federal Air Marshal Service’, ‘United States Federal Air Marshal Service’, ‘Federal Air Marshals’, the initials ‘T.S.A.’, ‘F.A.M.S.,’‘F.A.M.,’ or any colorable imitation of such words or initials, or the likeness of a Transportation Security Administration or Federal Air Marshal Service badge, logo, or insignia on any item of apparel, in connection with any advertisement, circular, book, pamphlet, software, or other publication, or with any play, motion picture, broadcast, telecast, or other production, in a matter that is reasonably calculated to convey the impression that the wearer of the item of apparel is acting pursuant to the legal authority of the Transportation Security Administration or Federal Air Marshal Service, or to convey the impression that such advertisement, circular, book, pamphlet, software, or other publication, or such play, motion picture, broadcast, telecast, or other production, is approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Transportation Security Administration or Federal Air Marshal Service.”
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Hollywood may need to lawyer up the next time they plan to film an Airplane movie.

Special thanks to Inforwars for leaking the questionable passage in TSA’s Authorization bill.

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© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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La Raza to storm Congress Super-Committee to keep their Medicaid benefits

2011-10-17T08:57:00.001-07:00

The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) will step up its fight against entitlement reform in order to let the Congressional “Super-Committee,” who must cut $1.2 trillion of America’s bloated $14 trillion debt, or slash Medicaid spending.

“[We need to] keep sending the message that the trade-off for reducing the deficit cannot be the livelihood of our [Latino] families,” a press release read. “[We are] tired of hearing about threats to health care for our families. The fact is that national leaders are on the cusp of making decisions about our national budget and we can’t ignore the debate.”

La Raza is teaming up with Families USA and the National Urban League to lobby the Super Committee using the social services of Twitter.

Twitterstorm is set up for anyone with a computer or smart phone. It allows activists to contact their members of Congress and voice their opinion about any possible cuts to Medicaid.
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La Raza says there are two easy ways to do this;

1. To contact the Super Committee follow this link for an easy way to use Twitter to ask the Super Committee to keep Medicaid safe.

2. Join the Twitter Chat on Medicaid on October 19, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. EDT by following the hashtags #OurLifeline and #NCLRChats.

NCLR points to a report that clearly reveals the integral role Medicaid plays in seriously ill Latino individuals by providing treatment.

“The evidence is clear; Millions have been priced out of private insurance or denied completely because they are ill, but can have peace of mind on the Medicaid program,” according to Jennifer Ng’andu, Deputy Director, Health Policy Project at La Raza.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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Mexico sends its first long-haul trucks across the border under NAFTA

2011-10-15T09:32:00.001-07:00

Mexico’s first long-haul trucking company received approval to cross the international border and compete with American trucking companies.

A statement from the Mexican Embassy highlighted the first trucking company, Transportes Olympic, successfully completed a U.S. agency pre-authorization safety audit, allowing drivers to deliver their products throughout America.

President Obama pushed agencies to establish a fair, mutually reciprocal trucking program to enhance free trade between U.S. and Mexico. So far three U.S. trucking companies, Plastic Express, A&R Transport Inc. and Stage Coach Cartage & Distribution can operate south of the border.

“Issuance of operating authority to Transportes Olympic is a positive step taken by the United States to come into full compliance with its commitments on long haul cross-border trucking services under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA),” said Ricardo Alday of the Mexican Embassy in Washington DC. “This latest development in the 16-year-old bilateral trucking dispute follows an agreement announced last March by presidents Calderon and Obama and as a result Mexico will suspend the remaining retaliatory tariffs on 99 U.S. products that Mexico was forced to impose after a previous trucking pilot program was defunded in 2009.”
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Mexico contends that their trucking companies are capable of meeting America’s regulatory requirements and operate on the highways safely.

However, many law enforcement agencies say the new program will only make their jobs harder as they will need to decipher what trucks may be carrying illicit drugs in the name of free-trade.

Currently Mexico and America benefit from a $400 billion annual trade relationship and 70 percent of this trade is delivered by long-haul trucking companies.

“Door-to-door delivery services of international cargo represent a step toward a more modern, agile, secure and efficient border as envisioned by both countries in the 21st Century Border Declaration released during President Calderon’s State visit to the US in May of 2010,” Adlay explained. “Given that Mexico is the second largest market for U.S. exports and that the two neighboring nations together produce goods for worldwide consumption, reestablishment of cross-border long-haul trucking services is vital for North America's competitiveness and for job creation on both sides of our border.”

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© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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San Diego car wash owners jailed for hiring & harboring illegal aliens

2011-10-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

The owners of a San Diego car wash were arraigned in federal court yesterday for hiring and harboring known illegal aliens.

The owners Sun Jae Lee, 51, and Ju Hea Kim, 54 were charged with a criminal conspiracy complaint for harboring illegal aliens. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office in San Diego, a conviction carries a five-year prison sentence and a fine of $250,000 for each defendant.

The two arrested defendants own and manage Betty’s Car Wash in the north San Diego community of Rancho Penasquitos. Authorities said the arrests took place after a routine search of the business.

Officers on the scene also detained alleged illegal aliens working at the car wash. Authorities said the illegal workers will be held as material witnesses in the case.

According to prosecutors, “the majority of those employed by the defendants lacked legal documentation that would allow them to work in the United States. Additionally, Kim and Lee allegedly rehired two employees who were deported while working at the car wash and then returned to the country illegally.”
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The complaint also contends that Kim instructed two employees to hide from view because Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials had arrived at the business.

The defendants will face U.S. Magistrate Judge William Gallo on Monday.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Rasmussen national poll ties Cain with Romney at 29 percent

2011-10-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

With primary season approaching quickly, the Republicans have hoisted a new favorite- Herman Cain. A new Rasmussen poll shows Cain and Romney with 29 percent of the primary vote and Newt Gingrich moving up to third with 10 percent.

What a difference a month makes. Cain insists he will ride the wave all the way to the White House, but will need to raise a lot more money to stay competitive in crucial states- something he was able to accomplish during his tenure at Godfather’s Pizza.

The former CEO, Cain, took a crumbling business and turned it into a pizza empire. Couple his business experience with a likeable guy personality and voters have a secret-ingredient formula for success.

The politically inexperienced candidate has also found favor with the Tea Party movement that seeks to fire all establishment politicians and replace them with commonsense, small government elected officials who will represent the people first. So far Cain fits that bill.

“It’s obvious the Tea Party and Independents are tired of seeing more the same liberal-conservative Republican in name only (RINO) establishment politics,” explained Rhonda Deniston of Stop Taxing Us, a grassroots San Diego Tea Party group (not sponsored by the Koch brothers).
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Deniston quickly pointed out that while the group likes what they see from Cain right now, it could change as the media vets his candidacy.

“He needs to stay on message and continue to describe his true American story. He came from a poor family and through hard work, not handouts, was able to achieve the American dream,” Deniston said. “This is what America stands for and it sends a message to all demographics in this country that hard work can pay off.”

While GOP candidate Mitt Romney has more name recognition, Tea Party affiliates contend this status is, in part, a result of living in the political world for at least six years. These same affiliates maintain that as the primary season gets underway they will begin to unleash the networking skills that turned the historic 2010 elections upside down.

Meanwhile in San Diego, Stop Taxing Us is reading through all the presidential contender profiles and will wait until the vetting process is over to back any candidate. “Our group is looking for an economic plan, and so far Cain has one. Is the “9-9-9”plan perfect, no but it’s a start.”

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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Fast and Furious truth seeker Issa slams DOJ’s Holder competence

2011-10-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

In a scathing letter to the nation’s top Department of Justice (DOJ) lawman, Eric Holder, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) called the Obama appointed lawyer either a liar, incompetent or worse when it came to overseeing thousands of weapons being trafficked to Mexican drug cartels.

The first paragraph of the letter includes phrases like “DOJ has offered a roving set of ever-changing explanations, undermining the investigation and insisted there was no wrongdoing or gunwalking.”

However after Congressional testimony, whistle-blower statements and investigative reporting by dedicated journalists an avalanche of facts were placed front-and-center. The ill-fated Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Project Gunrunner investigation “Fast and Furious” gun trafficking made the front page of most newspapers.
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After months of DOJ denials that the Phoenix-based operation didn’t reached anyone in Washington D.C., the jig was up and honest federal agents released emails proving wiretaps and concerns were indeed approved in the Nation’s Capital.

Issa’s letter continues; “It appears your latest defense has reached a new low. Incredibly, in your letter from Friday you now claim that you were unaware of Fast and Furious because your staff failed to inform you of information contained in memos that were specifically addressed to you. At best, this indicates negligence and incompetence in your duties as Attorney General. At worst, it places your credibility into serious doubt.”

Harsh, but reality-based words for Holder to consider as the 2012 election cycle ramps up. Political insiders are speculating the Attorney General will only lose his job if President Obama's reelection is at grave risk.

Issa also lambasted Holder of playing politics instead of representing the American people. “Instead of pledging all necessary resources to assist the congressional investigation in discovering the truth behind the fundamentally-flawed Operation Fast and Furious, your letter instead did little but obfuscate, shift blame, berate, and attempt to change the topic away from the Department’s responsibility in the creation, implementation, and authorization of this reckless program.”

Congressman Issa also pointed to a speech Holder gave a month after he became DOJ’s leader. “The cartels, you said, ‘are lucrative, they are violent, and they operated with stunning planning and precision.’ You promised that under your leadership ‘these cartels will be destroyed.’ You vowed that the Department of Justice would ‘continue to work with (its) counterparts in Mexico, through information sharing, training and mutual cooperation to jointly fight these cartels, both in Mexico and the United States.’”

Many senior ATF Agents have repeated a new mantra; “Mexican relations have now been set back by 10 years- trust is gone.”

In fact, Issa contends DOJ and some agents at ATF have engaged in a major cover-up of the Fast & Furious unlawful details. “Officials are actively engaged in hiding information about Fast and Furious from not only Mexican officials, but also U.S. law enforcement officials operating in Mexico.”

One of the main beneficiaries of the weapon allotment appears to be the Sinaloa Cartel whose front man, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman has moved to the top of the FBI’s most wanted list after the CIA/SEALs team killed Osama bin Laden. (Also, last week the LA Times reported Guzman’s wife crossed the California border to give birth to twins in a Los Angeles County hospital all under the watchful eyes of federal law enforcement. Before the young wife returned to Mexico with El Chapo’s twins, U.S. law gave the FBI’s most wanted criminal’s daughters with American citizenship.)

The Congressional Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform ends his six-page letter to Holder with; “Operation Fast and Furious was the Department’s most significant gun trafficking case. It related to two of your major initiatives – destroying the Mexican cartels and reducing gun violence on both sides of the border. On your watch, it went spectacularly wrong.”

To read Issa’s letter to Eric Holder click here. October 11th letter.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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The murder of New Mexico border rancher Larry Link remains unsolved

2011-10-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

It’s been nearly six months since New Mexico rancher Larry Link was unexpectedly gunned down on his property and New Mexico State Police say they are no closer to solving the murder.
The lack of news about the June 7, 2011 murder weighs heavily on the minds of ranchers whose property straddles the international border with Mexico. However, most ranchers believe the crime was perpetrated by someone connected to the drug smuggling community.
Spokesperson for the New Mexico Police, Tim Johnson, indicated that locals in the region are perplexed that the murder investigation has not produced any leads and “encourages anyone with information to contact the State Police.”
The ranch where Link was executed is home to known-drug smuggling corridor. This murder falls on the heels of longtime Arizona rancher Rob Krentz, who was also killed by unknown assailants. These two unsolved slayings have forced property owners along the southern region to travel heavily-armed at all times.
A recent trip to Arizona’s border ranches highlighted the daily danger property owners and their ranch hands face on any given day. Most remain on a constant state of alert as they have been victims of break-ins, robberies and destruction of property.
“As you can see we have to carry multiple firearms with us at all times,” says Jim Chilton whose family has been ranching in Arizona since the 1800s. “We’ve had several break-ins and robberies. So far we haven’t been harmed by the rip crews (drug smugglers who rob from other human smugglers and property owners), but the criminals keep my wife and I prepared at all times.”
The Chilton ranch sees a daily barrage of drug smugglers seeking to deliver narcotics into the U.S. or illegal aliens seeking a “better life” in America. This steady flow of illicit activity forces ranchers to check fence lines every day. Chilton explains his ranch hands now have to travel armed and be ready to defend themselves from possible attacks- something ranchers never worried about a decade ago.
“We’ve had to add much more security to our homes in recent years for our safety,” he explained.
Even with the added security and permanent ranch hands Link’s murder lingers in the back of Chilton’s mind. “It was a senseless crime.”
Chilton knows a bit about senseless crimes; his ranch is a stone’s throw away from Rio Rico, Arizona where Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was killed by drug smugglers using the now infamous “fast and furious” guns.
“The canyons in this part of Arizona give the drug smugglers ample terrain to scout and traverse into America,” Chilton said.
He goes on to explain that he provides water fountains every quarter of a mile to keep the illegals from cutting water lines. Chilton also admits he does not report suspected illegal border crossers to the local authorities. “For reasons of safety and retaliation my wife and I do not report every crosser because we don’t want anyone to harm us.”
The Krentz and Link unsolved murders provide plenty of proof that staying outside the fray is the best policy.
In the meantime, ranchers will continue to protect their lives and property fiercely and hope they are not the next victims of druggers (a term Chilton uses referring to illegal drug smugglers).
Those with any information about the Larry Link murder can reach the New Mexico State Police at (575) 524-8827 or to report an anonymous tip, call Crime Stoppers at (575) 542-8827.
Congressional hearings on border issues set for Friday
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) will chair a hearing on October 14th titled “A Call to Action: Narco-Terrorism’s Threat to the Southern U.S. Border” for the Homeland Security Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee will present to Congress a comprehensive military assessment of the U.S.-Mexico border.
A highlighted report, Texas Border Security: A Strategic Military Assessment, demonstrates that Mexican drug cartels are attempting to establish safe havens in the U.S. as a launching point into the rest of the United States. Among the findings the hearing will examine:
• Cartels’ intention to influence all levels of government throughout the Americas
• Cartels’ intention to establish sanctuary zones in the U.S. one county deep
• Poorly resourced U.S. tactical efforts to stop cartel incursions; vulnerability to corruption
• Increasing likelihood that competition to control distribution territories and corridors will result in greater violence in Texas, as the Mexican military gains more control in Mexico
• The need to designate Mexican drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations
“This report is a call to action. Every American needs to be aware of the threat these narco-terrorists pose to our communities in every state, and to our national security,” Rep. McCaul said. “To date, this administration has buried its head in the sand rather than confront the extraordinary magnitude of the cartels’ incursions and operations in the United States and the propensity for increased violence. If the White House does not heed the warning that now is the time to commit to a comprehensive strategy to secure the border, it unfortunately may take a catastrophic event to get their attention.”

To read the first story; UPDATE: New Mexico businessman Larry Link murdered on own property - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/breaking-new-mexico-rancher-larry-link-murdered-by-illegal-alien#ixzz1QE7BoOXl

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

California Governor signs DREAM Act to give taxpayer money to illegal immigrants

2011-10-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

California Governor Jerry Brown finally signed the Golden State's version of the DREAM Act.

Part two of the controversial bill will release taxpayer money to illegal aliens seeking to attend public colleges without proving their immigration status to financial aid offices.

The move will allow prospective illegal alien students to compete with American citizens for precious college financial aid.

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California’s taxpayer-funded version of the DREAM Act inched closer to reality as it leaped out of the state Senate 22-11 along party-line votes.

The legislation now moves back to the assembly to reconcile changes and is expected to pass solely on Democratic votes. From there it will head to Governor Jerry Brown’s desk for the expected signature.
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The legislation would allow illegal aliens to apply for public financial aid for college tuition forcing American citizens to compete for precious college funding. Some of the coveted financial aid programs that would open up to illegal aliens include; Cal Grants, college grants and community college assistance.

The Golden State’s analysis of the legislation found AB 131 has a $40 million price tag and is expected to take effect just after the 2012 elections.

A few weeks ago AB 130, a bill that allowed illegal aliens to accept private financial aid, passed through the California legislature and was signed by the governor.
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California’s disgraced Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed similar bills during the past eight years, but the state’s anomaly during the 2010 election cycle essentially gave Democrats power of all branches of government, something that ensured the Golden State would lead the country where President Obama failed.

Anti-DREAM Act activist vowed to voice their concern and launch a recall effort.

One group taking calls from angry Californians’ is Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) said; “We have spoken to people in Fresno, Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Diego and they are all talking about the‘re-call’ if AB 131 becomes law. We recalled Davis and we can recall Brown!”

Activists like FAIR say they haven’t heard this much fervor from California residents in years.

In 2003, former-Democrat Governor Gray Davis lost a recall fight over huge deficit-spending irked voters. Lucky Californian’s were then treated to seven years of Governor Schwarzenegger.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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CIS says illegal immigrant deportation numbers over reported

2011-10-03T07:38:00.001-07:00

DC immigration think-tank, Center for Immigration Studies, released a new study today. The report concludes the current Department of Justice legal process used to query and deport illegal aliens or visa overstayers is ripe with flaws.

“Built to Fail: Deception and Disorder in America’s Immigration Courts,” details the inherent flaws immigration courts continue follow. Mark H. Metcalf, a former immigration judge, outlined the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) shortcomings in a 100-page report.

Metcalf contends DOJ’s erroneous statistical reporting leads to fewer deportations being executed, but perhaps more alarming, is the fact more than one million illegal aliens have been ordered to be removed from the U.S. yet they continue to live in America’s shadows.

Among Center for Immigration Studies findings:

• Very few aliens who file lawsuits to remain in the United States are deported, even though immigration courts – after years of litigation – order them removed.
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• Deportation orders are rarely enforced, even against aliens who skip court or ignore orders to leave the United States.

• Aliens evade immigration courts more often than accused felons evade state courts. Unlike accused felons, aliens who skip court are rarely caught.

• From 1996 through 2009, the United States allowed 1.9 million aliens to remain free before trial and 770,000 of them – 40 percent of the total – vanished. Nearly one million deportation orders were issued to this group – 78 percent of these orders were handed down for court evasion.

• From 2002 through 2006 – in the shadow of 9/11 – 50 percent of all aliens free pending trial disappeared. Court numbers show 360,199 aliens out of 713,974 dodged court.

• For years, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has grossly understated the number of aliens who evade court. In 2005 and 2006, DOJ said 39 percent of aliens missed court. Actually, 59 percent of aliens – aliens remaining free before trial – never showed.

• Since 1996, failures of aliens to appear in court have never dipped below 30 percent.

• Enforcement of deportation orders is now nearly non-existent. Removal orders are not enforced unless aliens have committed serious crimes.

• Unexecuted removal orders are growing. As of 2002, 602,000 deportation orders had not been enforced. Since then, another 507,551 have been added to the rolls. Today, unexecuted removal orders number approximately 1,109,551 – an 84 percent increase since 2002.

• U.S. immigration courts rule in favor of aliens 60 percent of the time. DOJ statistics suggest aliens win only 20 percent of the time.

• The Department of Justice tells Congress that aliens appeal deportation orders only 8 percent of the time. In fact, over the last 10 years aliens’ appealed deportation orders 98 percent of the time.

• Since 1990, immigration court budgets have increased 823 percent with taxpayers footing the entire bill. Aliens pay no more to file their cases today than they did in 1990.

• From 2000 through 2007, tax dollars paid aliens’ court costs. Taxpayers underwrote the appeals of aliens ordered removed for criminal convictions and fraudulent marriages.

• U.S. immigration judges carry huge caseloads. In 2006 – the courts’ busiest year ever – 233 judges completed 407,487 matters. All work of DOJ’s trial and appellate lawyers combined equaled only 289,316. By comparison, federal district and circuit courts, with 1,271 judges, completed 414,375 matters.

• The only possible way the Justice Department’s misrepresentations will be corrected is for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to audit America’s immigration courts.

• An Article I court – a court created through Congress’s constitutional authority over immigration – is the surest solution for those fleeing persecution, while balancing America’s fundamental interest in secure borders and an effective immigration system.

Earlier this year, the Obama Administration, approved a new directive that gives judges even more leeway when it comes to deportation orders. Combine these factors of illegal immigration enforcement, sprinkle in a liberal-minded administration and clearly Americans have a recipe for executive-order amnesty.

To read the report online; http://www.cis.org/articles/2011/built-to-fail-full.pdf.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/alabama-judge-upholds-parts-of-tough-state-illegal-immigration-law?CID=examiner_alerts_article

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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CIS says illegal immigrant deportation numbers over reported

2011-10-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

Border Patrol snags 100 pounds of cocaine at San Diego checkpoint

2011-09-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

The Interstate 8 Border Patrol checkpoint east of San Diego snagged more than a million dollars worth of cocaine headed to America’s streets yesterday.

Border Patrol agents became suspicious of a 52-year-old male Mexican national, who was driving a green Peterbilt semi-truck when he stopped at the checkpoint. Their suspicions were confirmed during the secondary inspection when the K-9 team located illegal narcotics.

The Border Patrol K-9 team located the cocaine near the rear-side of the passenger panel inside the truck. “Agents searched the truck and discovered a total of 42 bundles of cocaine concealed inside of an air vent,” CBP agents said.

“The cocaine weighed a total 107.48 pounds and had an estimated street value of $1,074,800. The suspected smuggler and narcotics were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration,” according to agents.

The tractor trailer was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
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Since October 1, 2010, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 2,300 pounds of cocaine, more than 540 pounds of methamphetamine and 68,550 pounds of marijuana.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/china-s-war-strategy-why-it-s-working-part-one

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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Alabama judge upholds parts of tough state illegal immigration law

2011-09-28T17:48:00.000-07:00

Parts of Alabama’s new, strict illegal immigration law successfully escaped a federal judge ruling giving illegal immigration activists something to celebrate.

However, just like Arizona’s anti-illegal immigration bill SB1070, parts of the newly-minted law will hit the cutting-room floor

A President George H.W. Bush appointee, U.S. District Judge Sharon Blackburn, said in her opinion that some of the tough immigration law provisions conflicted with other federal statutes, but many enforcement requirements were lawful.

Judge Blackburn explained that federal law does not prohibit checking legal status of K-12 school students, allowing law enforcement officers to hold suspected illegal aliens without bond, make it a felony to do state business with illegal aliens, or make illegal immigration a misdemeanor if immigrants are unable to provide legal papers at some point.

However, the judge’s order continued to block four key parts of Alabama’s illegal immigration law until she could further.
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These measures include; making it a crime for illegal aliens to solicit work at day labor sites, allowing illegal aliens to file discrimination lawsuits after the illegal worker is fired, making it a crime to knowingly hire, harbor or transport an illegal alien and preventing business owners’ from taking any tax deductions on wages paid to illegal alien employees.

Church leaders who opposed Alabama’s tough new illegal immigration law released a statement about the judge’s ruling; “We are pleased to see some of the harsh and far-reaching elements of the law have been struck down. We feel that many of these elements, written by members of the State House and Senate who campaign on Christianity, are not representative of the message of Christ who welcomed the stranger despite country of origin or status," the group believed.

Judge Blackburn did not release a date when the constitutionality component of her ruling would be revealed.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/china-s-war-strategy-why-it-s-working-part-one

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

NYPD to stop arrests for small amounts of marijuana.

2011-09-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

With seizures of marijuana along the southern border reaching record levels, a memo from the New York Police Department commissioner’s office said it will end arrests for the procession of small portions of pot.

New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly issued an internal memo to officers informing them not to report or charge offenders who happen to have small amounts of marijuana.

Kelly’s directive orders officers to overlook misdemeanor marijuana possession when the pot becomes ‘public’ after a person is asked to empty their pockets.

“As arrests for possession of minor amounts of marijuana have exploded over the last 10 years, the NYCLU has been working to protect New Yorkers from these senseless and illegal arrests,” NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman said. “Today’s disclosure implicitly recognizes that police officers have gone too far. This comes as no surprise to the more than 100,000 people, predominantly black and Latino, who have been arrested over just the last two years.”
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New York has already decriminalized the possession of marijuana, but the NYCLU contends police officers target minorities, require them to empty their pockets and then charge them with possession of an illegal substance. The NYCLU also says police officers are suppose to issue a ticket rather than put them in jail and force them to appear before a judge.

“In addition to this new order, however, the NYPD must now commit resources to training and monitoring officers to put an end to its decade-long marijuana arrest program and start complying with the Constitution and New York law. If it does so, we should see a huge drop in the number of marijuana arrests,” Lieberman finished.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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Man toting fake gun shot by CBP agents in San Diego

2011-09-23T17:07:00.000-07:00

The nation’s busiest international port of entry in San Diego was shut down last night after a pedestrian unexpectedly waved a fake gun prompting Custom Border Protection (CBP) agents to shoot the man as he fled into the U.S.

The shooting incident happened at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, at the pedestrian crossing area, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency spokeswoman Jackie Wasiluk said.

Wasiluk told reporters that the agency temporarily suspended processing of all northbound pedestrian travelers. Authorities continued to investigate the incident, but have not released the name or the nationality of the man who was shot.

CBP agents did not explain what led to the shooting of the man, but those at the scene described the weapon a starter-type gun (used in track events).

The San Diego Police Department released a statement regarding the event. The unnamed man "approached a pedestrian booth and attempted to walk through without being fully screened" by CBP border agents.
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The man was taken to a nearby hospital and is expected to survive.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

San Diego Mansion deaths take a new twist

2011-09-21T12:15:00.001-07:00

After weeks of speculation, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department ruled two suspicious deaths of Max Shacknai, 6, an accident and Rebecca Zahau, 32, a suicide. However, the law enforcement ruling didn’t jibe with Zahau’s family.

Now that media have obtained Sheriff Department warrants and medical examiner reports the mysterious deaths have launched family, Coronado residents and conspiracy theorists to poke holes in the case that grabbed national attention this summer.

The deaths took place in a multi-million dollar mansion located in an upscale sleepy beach-side San Diego community and involve billionaire Jonah Shacknai, who earned his wealth in the lucrative beauty products industry.

A few weeks of tough media scrutiny regarding Shacknai’s possible involvement has prompted the billionaire took write a letter to the California Attorney General. Shacknai asked the state attorney to conduct a second review in order to end any more speculation that the deaths were nothing more than coincidental accidents.
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San Diego authorities reported that the July 13 nude hanging death of Zahau, whose hands and feet were tied behind her back, were self-inflicted. The Sheriff concluded Zahau’s motive for suicide was the news she received via voicemail that the son of her billionaire boyfriend, who fell from the second story of the famous mansion two days earlier, would most likely succumb to his head injuries.

However, some investigators say there was no such call on her ATT phone bill. The medical examiner’s report also unrevealed new details the Sheriff Department failed to disclose at the conclusion of their investigation.

The first detail is tape residue on Zahau’s wrists and ankles. There was no tape recovered near the crime scene. And the second surprise were unexplained contusions to her head.

Once the new investigation elements were released, the media began the feeding frenzy that ultimately led Shacknai to write the attorney general and request another look into the “undeniably strange circumstances” surrounding his son and girlfriend.

“Following the enormous losses of Max and Rebecca, it is intolerable to sit back and watch my other children and the rest of my family, and my former wife Dina’s family, tormented with these unfounded rumors and accusations,” Shacknai said in a portion of the letter to the attorney general.

Leading the charge against the San Diego Sheriff Department’s ruling is Zahau’s sister, Mary, who repeatedly told authorities and the media that her sister would never take her life. Mary Zahau said her sister’s Christian religious beliefs would prevent her from taking her life and the fact she was found nude with a t-shirt stuffed in her mouth raised even more red flags.

“We just know truth prevails,” she said. “I’m in the process of finding out the truth about who killed my sister.”

Despite the family’s objections to the Sheriff Department investigation conclusion, Sheriff Bill Gore remains steadfast in his department’s abilities and said; “Science is our best witness in this case. It is not biased and it doesn’t lie.”

Stay tuned for updates…

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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Illinois to offer illegal alien deportation advice hotline

2011-09-19T16:39:00.001-07:00

If Illinois residents are facing deportation threats, there is a new telephone hotline available that will dispense advice.

The confusion of deportation proceedings will become a little easier for those who call volunteers at the Jane Addams Hull House.

The new hotline will provide information regarding attorneys, social services and comfort for illegal aliens under the threat of deportation. The 24-hour-a-day service will be staffed by volunteers and is modeled after similar homeless or domestic violence centers.

The volunteers have been provided with deportation proceeding checklists in order to determine the right course of action for illegal immigrants and provides assistance in Spanish, Korean, Portuguese and English.

"In the last five years, 48,330 people have been deported from the Chicago ICE region, leaving an estimated 80,550 children without a parent," the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee told NBC Chicago. "The ICIRR is partnering with 35 social service agencies ... to launch the country’s first 24-hour hotline for families facing the crisis of deportation."
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Those needing help with deportation proceedings can call 855-435-7693 or 855-HELP-MY-F(amily).

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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Ninth Circuit Court rules in favor of day laborer’s right to assemble

2011-09-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed the district court's decision in Comité de Jornaleros de Redondo Beach v. City of Redondo Beach that struck down the City of Redondo Beach's anti-solicitation ordinance as a "facially unconstitutional restriction on speech."

The court cited the “well-established principles of First Amendment law,” and the court concluded that the city’s “Ordinance fails to satisfy the narrow tailoring element of the Supreme Court's time, place and manner test.”

“Today's decision sets a strong precedent [for] day laborer rights and stands as one in a line of successful cases brought by MALDEF on behalf of the rights of day laborers in the Ninth Circuit over the last dozen years,” a Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) statement read.

“Today's en banc Ninth Circuit opinion resoundingly vindicates the First Amendment rights of day laborers throughout the western United States,” Thomas Saenz, MALDEF President and General Counsel said. “Dozens of similar ordinances throughout the region that purport to prevent day laborers from speaking on sidewalks are now even more plainly violative of the Constitution. Each municipality with such an ordinance should immediately suspend and repeal its law. The longstanding principle that the right of free speech belongs to everyone has been significantly bolstered by this decision.”
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The Executive Director of National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), Pablo Alvarado, also commented on today’s decision.

“Today’s decision is an outcome of a struggle in the courts and in the streets that began in the early 90's. The ordinances were intended to render day laborers invisible; but the struggle against these ordinances has made day laborers more visible, more powerful.”

The decision overturned a 2-1 panel ruling.

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© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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$4 million worth of drugs snagged by San Diego Border Patrol

2011-09-16T14:58:00.001-07:00

San Diego Border Patrol agents arrested a legal resident for smuggling more than 330 pounds of cocaine inside a tractor trailer at the Interstate 8 checkpoint.

Agents encountered the 46-year-old male Mexican national at the checkpoint driving a bright red Freightliner tractor trailer. During the inspection process, Border Patrol became suspicious of the driver’s nervous demeanor and sent him to the secondary inspection station.

“A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the tractor trailer resulting in a positive alert. Further inspection revealed two non-factory compartments inside the fuel tanks,” said Scott Simon, Border Patrol AgentSan Diego Sector Information and Communication Division. “Agents discovered 130 bundles of cocaine with a total weight of more than 334 pounds and an estimated street value of $3,346,600 inside the compartments.”

In a separate apprehension, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Interstate 15 checkpoint nabbed a 21-year-old male U.S. citizen for smuggling 78 bundles of marijuana in the rear seat and trunk of his vehicle. “The total weight of the drugs was more than 416 pounds with an estimated street value of nearly $250, 000,” Simon said.
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Border Patrol said the suspected smugglers and illicit narcotics were taken into custody and respectively turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Border Patrol Agents seized all the vehicles.

Since October 1, 2010, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 2,100 pounds of cocaine, 473 pounds of methamphetamine, and 68,550 pounds of marijuana.

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San Diego County votes to implement E-Verify

2011-09-13T16:23:00.001-07:00

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors took one step away from sanctuary-city leanings today and adopted the use of E-Verify for all new hires.

Chairman Bill Horn and Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who introduced the new county regulation, garnered enough support from other County Supervisors to implement the federal Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification System (E-Verify) for all new County employees.

The federal government computer system, E-Verify, is assessable online and determines if prospective employees are legally able to work in the U.S.

DHS champions the E-Verify program that is used by both private and public sectors with a 96.8 accuracy rate.

“This is a positive step for the County, especially in tough economic times,” San Diego County Supervisor and Chairman Horn explained. "E-Verify is a way to help ensure that jobs are only going to those who can legally be employed and protect businesses and eligible job-seekers, all at no cost to the County. I would like to see if this can be used to require county contractors to implement the program.”
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The County of San Diego will start the implementation process by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) establishing the city’s new E-Verify requirement.

“I’m optimistic that this important step will preserve jobs for legally-eligible workers by upgrading to a system superior to the one the county currently uses,” said Supervisor Jacob. “I will be tracking the effectiveness of E-verify to see whether wider use will help turn off the jobs magnet that encourages illegal immigration.”

The federal E-Verify program compares information provided by a prospective employee, like Green Cards or Social Security numbers, to DHS and Social Security Administration records that keep track of employment status. San Diego will begin using E-Verify on October 21, 2011.

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© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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Basketball star Magic Johnson to end school drop outs in Los Angeles.

2011-09-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

NBA Basketball great and former Los Angeles Laker, Magic Johnson announced today he will partner with Edison Learning, a New York education company, that seeks to curb school dropout rates in urban cities.

The basketball MVP said he is shooting to end the sky-rocketing student dropout rates in urban cities and will accomplish this challenging task by setting up dropout prevention and recovery centers.

The “Magic Johnson-Edison Learning Assist,” program will work with Edison Learning to keep at-risk disadvantaged youths interested in a high-school diploma.

“Improving the quality of life for people residing in urban areas is my life's passion,” Johnson explained as his reason to address the broken government (public) education system. “When just over 40 percent of students in Los Angeles, Houston, and Baltimore are graduating from high school, and less than 30 percent of black males in New York, Detroit and Miami, steps need to be taken to recapture these
students into the education system to better their opportunities in life.”

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An Edison Learning spokesperson, Michael Serpe said they are the school turnaround experts and operate more than 390 schools in the U.S., England and the Middle East. The company sets out to encourage youths to stay in school and even return to school after they dropout by providing high-tech learning centers open before and after public schools traditionally close.

The NBA star, Johnson, is not paying for the centers, says Serpe. “The basketball hall-of-famer is, however, lending his name to the centers, which will be branded ‘Magic Johnson Bridgescape Learning Centers.’”

Serpe contends that the attachment of Magic’s name, as well as his presence, will garner more awareness for the centers and hopefully boost enrollment.

Serpe said Edison Learning is currently negotiating with Los Angeles Unified School District officials about operating centers in urban LA.

“The education professionals at Edison Learning have established a solid record for improving urban and under-performing schools,” Johnson said. “The work they have done on behalf of children in some of the most challenging schools and communities in the nation are the reason I chose to work with them in this effort.”

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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U.S. man wanted by FBI for possible 9/11 retaliation attack

2011-09-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

On the eve of the tenth anniversary of September 11th attacks, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released a photo and description of an American citizen wanted for questioning for a possible retaliation terror attack in New York, and Washington DC.

The FBI bulletin states;

“This is believed to be one of the men counter terrorism chiefs say are plotting a terrorist attack in America on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11. An image of American-born 22-year-old Jude Kenan Mohammad has been posted on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list.

He has been linked to what officials have called a credible but unconfirmed al-Qaeda threat to set off a car bomb on bridges or tunnels in New York City or Washington.

Mohammad is among three al-Qaeda leaders that investigators believe pose a particular threat because they have lived in the U.S.

Should that mission prove impossible, the attackers have been told to simply cause as much destruction as they can.
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Mohammad, who was born in Florida, dropped out of North Carolina’s Fuquay-Varina High School in 2006 and left the U.S. two years later to visit Pakistan, his father’s homeland.

A federal grand jury in North Carolina indicted him and seven other men in 2009 on charges that they conspired to carry out terrorist activities around the world. Two of the men have pleaded guilty, and the trial of four others is set for September 19 in New Bern.

Federal authorities have never arrested Mohammad in the case, saying that they believe he has been in Pakistan since the indictment was issued.”

Anyone with information on this man is encouraged to contact federal or local authorities. To view the wanted poster with more description details; Terrorist Wanted Poster

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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California to snuff out “open carry” of firearms

2011-09-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

The last legal wrangling over Californians’ right to carry unloaded firearms in public (AB144) will fight with other legislative bills for Governor Jerry Brown’s signature.

Currently the state of California imposes one of the nation’s toughest firearm restrictions leaving law-abiding gun owners with more rules and regulations to jump through than an old-fashion medicine man selling snake oil.

Gun slingers in California have recently flaunted their ability to openly carry unloaded firearms at public locations, including Starbucks and beach cities. Insiders claim it was this behavior that sent over-zealous lawmakers in California to pass legislation preventing law-abiding residents from taking their guns along when they run errands.

"This is not the wild west," said State Senator Kevin DeLeon (D-Los Angeles who also penned the ‘flat or fitted sheet’ for hotel maid’s bill). "How discomforting can it be if you walk into a restaurant, a Starbucks, a Mickey D’s and all of a sudden you see someone with a handgun?"
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Conservative Republican lawmakers contend this is just another regulation on a long list to restrict honest residents from protecting themselves. California law currently allows residents to carry ammunition on their person, but not in the weapon itself.

"Don’t turn law-abiding citizens into criminals," State Senator Joel Anderson (R-San Diego) said. "The more we chip away at our ability to protect ourselves, it’s undermining our freedoms."

The bill was written on behalf of some Police Chief’s and Sheriff’s Departments by Assemblyman Antony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge).

“They are tied up dealing with calls from the public about gun-toting men and women in the coffee shop,” Portantino claimed. However, the number of "open carry" complaints were never disclosed.

Marc Halcon, President of California Association of Firearms Retailers recently responded to new firearm laws; “One of the most fundamental rights we have as citizens of this country is the right to feel safe and secure, not only in our homes but within our community. Although I question the logic of carrying an 'unloaded' firearm, I understand the concern of some of our lawmakers. This entire situation would be solved in a matter of minutes if the State of California would follow the vast majority of the other states and allow for the 'shall issue' provision for law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed weapon. A secondary benefit would be an increase in State revenue generated by the fees and tax's associated with allowing a 'shall issue' licensing process for law-abiding citizens.”

This hasn’t been the first effort to ban “open carry” weapons, last year Democrat State Assemblywoman Lori Saldana’s bill AD-76 failed to pass during a lame-duck session.

The bill will now head back to the assembly to record a few amendments, which is expected to pass the Democratic chamber, and then head to Governor Brown’s desk.

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© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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Mercedes loaded with cocaine seized north of San Diego

2011-09-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

Border Patrol Agents seized a Mercedes Benz loaded with 26 pounds of cocaine at the Interstate 5 border checkpoint just north of San Diego.

A K-9 team alerted agents to the trunk of the Mercedes where Border Patrol found a large black duffel bag containing 10 brick-shaped packages of cocaine. “The total estimated street value of the narcotics was $266,110,” according to a CBP press release.

A 31-year-old male American citizen was arrested and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for suspicion of drug smuggling.

In a separate smuggling attempt, Border Patrol Agents apprehended a 23-year-old male Mexican national trying to smuggle 28 bundles of cocaine. Once agents sent the nervous driver to the secondary inspection area, K-9’s sniffed out the drugs worth approximately $285,000, in the wheel well of a Dodge Ram pickup.

The Mexican national, who was in the country legally, was taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the DEA for further investigation. The U.S. Border Patrol impounded both vehicles.

According to Border Patrol, since October 1, 2010, San Diego Sector agents have confiscated more than 1,800 pounds of cocaine.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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Illegal immigrant sues Nebraska to pay for prenatal care

2011-09-06T15:42:00.001-07:00

A pregnant illegal immigrant, who applied for free medical treatment and was denied because she resides illegally in America, has sued the state of Nebraska.

Sarah Roe, 33, currently lives with her husband and tried to received medical assistance from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for her unborn child.

Once Roe was denied coverage, she filed a lawsuit through the Nebraska Appleseed Center claiming her unborn child was entitled to state-funded medical care.

According to Roe and her lawsuit documents, she has paid out-of-pocket expenses to monitor her unborn child. Roe even admits that her legal status in this country is an “ineligible alien” that disqualifies her for state-funded medical coverage. However, Roe contends the unborn baby does qualify for free healthcare.

The Nebraska Appleseed Center claims the state over-stepped its boundaries to end a program that recently covered illegal pregnant mothers through Medicaid. The result is a class-action lawsuit against the state.
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Nebraska state officials told the Associated Press that approximately 800 illegal immigrants and 700 legal residents were cut off from Medicaid (free care) in March 2010. The federal government ordered the state to eliminate the Medicaid program because it broke federal government rules.

The loophole in this unique pregnancy coverage allowed illegal immigrants free health care at the expense of taxpayers, regardless of legal status.

However, other medical providers in the state offered these women discounted or free care despite the federal government’s decision.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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California looks to change law regarding driver’s license and car impoundments

2011-09-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

Rolling closer to passage is California AB 353 a bill seeking to allow those driving without a valid driver's license (either suspended or unable to obtain one due to legal status) to prevent impoundment of their vehicles.

Currently state law mandates drivers caught, usually at safety checkpoints, are written up and their cars impounded for up to 30 days. Authors of AB 353 contend that illegal immigrants and the Latino population in general are more susceptible to losing their impounded vehicles altogether. (The fines and fees can cost more than the car is worth).

Gil Cedillo, (Democrat from Los Angeles and whose campaign treasurer, Kinde Durkee was arrested over the weekend by the FBI for political-related fraud), claims that police impound unlicensed driver's vehicles to raise additional money- something that places an undue burden on Latino families.

AB 353 co-sponsor Michael Allen (D- Santa Rosa) contends; “Checkpoints in some communities have veered off course from the intended purpose, placing more emphasis on impounding the vehicles of sober, unlicensed drivers than on removing the most dangerous drivers from our roads. AB 353, in partnership with my bill, AB 1389, will clarify the original intent of the Legislature — as well as cities, counties and law enforcement — with regard to impoundments and help peace officers devote more time, energy and resources toward deterring and catching intoxicated drivers.”
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Hispanic activists’ contend illegal aliens are unfairly targeted and receive the lion’s share of traffic infractions. They also note that these Hispanics earn significantly less than their counterparts and are unable to pay the costly impound fees that can exceed the car’s value.

However, those on the other-side of the aisle believe unlicensed drivers need to pay the price for unlawfully operating a vehicle.

"If we lower this standard, what we are doing is encouraging more people without driver's licenses to be on the roads," said Joel Anderson (R-San Diego and just named the recipient of the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) ‘Legislator of the Year’ Award). There is a reason they don't have a driver's license. It's not because they are a good driver."

Anti-immigration activists also warned that the legislation would remove a big deterrent to illegal immigrants driving without a license.

“It seems if there is a law that inconveniences illegal aliens, they [legislators] are willing to change it,” Ira Mehlman, a Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) spokesperson said.

Escondido Police Chief Jim Maher echoes Anderson’s statement that impounding vehicles are a consequence of breaking the law. “We are a rule-of-law city. The traffic-related crime statistics continue to fall by significant numbers in our city. These safety/sobriety checkpoints are working. It’s why the majority of residents aren’t complaining.”

The proposed law would allow drivers to call a family member or friend who is legally licensed to drive to take the vehicle home without paying fines. Proponents of AB 353 also say these checkpoints are set-up as a way to make money for the police departments.

“That notion is ridiculous our traffic safety statistics don’t lie. Our streets are safer because we enforce the law,” Maher finished.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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Taxpayer money for California DREAM Act near reality-sparks talks of a recall

2011-09-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

California’s taxpayer-funded version of the DREAM Act inched closer to reality as it leaped out of the state Senate 22-11 along party-line votes.

The legislation now moves back to the assembly to reconcile changes and is expected to pass solely on Democratic votes. From there it will head to Governor Jerry Brown’s desk for the expected signature.

The legislation would allow illegal aliens to apply for public financial aid for college tuition forcing American citizens to compete for precious college funding. Some of the coveted financial aid programs that would open up to illegal aliens include; Cal Grants, college grants and community college assistance.

The Golden State’s analysis of the legislation found AB 131 has a $40 million price tag and is expected to take effect just after the 2012 elections.

A few weeks ago AB 130, a bill that allowed illegal aliens to accept private financial aid, passed through the California legislature and was signed by the governor.
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California’s disgraced Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed similar bills during the past eight years, but the state’s anomaly during the 2010 election cycle essentially gave Democrats power of all branches of government, something that ensured the Golden State would lead the country where President Obama failed.

Anti-DREAM Act activist vowed to voice their concern and launch a recall effort.

One group taking calls from angry Californians’ is Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) said; “We have spoken to people in Fresno, Sacramento, Los Angeles and San Diego and they are all talking about the‘re-call’ if AB 131 becomes law. We recalled Davis and we can recall Brown!”

Activists like FAIR say they haven’t heard this much fervor from California residents in years.

In 2003, former-Democrat Governor Gray Davis lost a recall fight over huge deficit-spending irked voters. Lucky Californian’s were then treated to seven years of Governor Schwarzenegger.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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California parents beware lawmakers seek to regulate your babysitters

2011-09-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

There is a flurry of California state bills being voted on during the waning hours of Sacramento’s summer legislative session, including babysitter’s workplace rights.

California’s lawmakers have pulled out all the stops when it comes to job-killing legislation. Summer highlights included; what color Airsoft guns should be painted, the type of sheets hotels can use, what type of cleaning work hotel maids can/can’t perform and now they want to regulate babysitting.

Dubbed the “babysitter bill,” AB 889 has made its way to the California State Senate and would force folks who employ domestic workers, babysitters and maids to provide conventional workplace benefits.

Some of the required regulations being bandied about include; regular 10-minute breaks, vacation time, workers’ compensation, 30-minute lunch breaks, as well as overtime.

Parents contend they would have to hire two caregivers in order to meet California’s new state regulations.
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If AB 889 passes in the Senate, domestic employees would be allowed to sue families for not complying with state law forcing adults to either stay at home with their children or leave younger kids alone without any supervision.

The babysitter bill was written by Democrat Assembly Members Tom Ammiano (D- San Francisco) and V. Manuel Pérez (D- Indio) and would also require parents’ provide time cards and pay stubs.

“What’s next, five-star vacations? Or do I need to become a tax expert when I pay my babysitter at the end of day,” Debbie Levins said. “I can barely get by working fulltime as it is and would have to fire my sitter and make other arrangements if this ridiculous bill passes. This state is nuts.”

The current recession has left California with double-digit unemployment and regulating the babysitting business may only serve to eliminate entry-level jobs and pose a safety threat for children.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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ATF Director Melson reassigned to DOJ amid “Fast & Furious” scandal

2011-08-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

It is now being reported that the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Kenneth Melson, will leave his BATFE post and join the Department of Justice (DOJ) staff. The continuation of “business as usual” in Washington DC reaffirms accountability in federal agencies is hard to come by.

Both DOJ and BAFTE played major roles in the “gun walking” program that left at least one federal agent murdered and a number of other deaths south of the border in Mexico. The Brouhaha eventually led to the suspension of “Fast and Furious,” but after months of investigations, no one has been fired from either agency.

A July 4 meeting between ATF front-man Melson and Congressional investigators revealed the DOJ has actively engaged in a “cover-up” and “remain silent” campaign concerning the controversial firearm program that allowed U.S. weapons to cross into Mexico and in to the hands of criminals.
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The hush, hush meeting revealed a couple of things, first, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder knew a lot more about this operation than he has previously admitted and Melson will not be the Obama Administration fall guy.

This investigation began when senior Republican Congressional lawmakers embarked on a quest to find out why Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was murdered in December of last year with a gun that traced back to an ATF program. However, Agent Terry’s family and lawmakers were met with roadblocks from ATF leaders.

That all changed with the Fourth of July meeting between lawmakers and investigators when Melson exposed that it was the Department of Justice (DOJ) who effectively silenced ATF leaders.

The secret meeting also produced admissions that ATF “made many mistakes” with the notorious gun walking program “Fast and Furious.” In fact, Melson's private attorney, Richard Cullen, a former federal prosecutor was present at the July 4 meeting with investigators to protect the acting director.

As Congressional investigators collect data and build a case, ATF decided to insulate key "Fast and Furious" players in their Washington DC headquarters. Melson’s move to DOJ completes the trifecta.

Earlier this month ATF announced three key players in the Arizona ill-fated “gun-walking” program would accept promotions and move to ATF's DC headquarters.

It’s especially ironic that William McMahon, who testified at a recent hearing that plenty of mistakes were made and failed to report those mistakes to his supervisors, will now be in charge of ATF’s ethics department. His official title, Deputy Assistant Director of ATF’s Office of Professional Responsibility and Security Operations will solidify his unaccountability.

William Newell will also make the trip to DC for his promotion to Special Assistant to the Assistant Director for ATF’s Office of Management. And finally, Arizona’s “Fast and Furious” ground supervisor, David Voth heads to Washington DC and will oversee ATF’s Tobacco Division as Branch Chief.

As the country approaches the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, America and her enemies now recognize that agencies like the DOJ, FBI, DEA and ATF are not sharing intelligence and continue to put intra-agency politics ahead of national security.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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California’s DREAM Act part 2- public assistance expected to clear Senate

2011-08-26T14:19:00.001-07:00

Part two of California’s DREAM Act that seeks to provide financial aid for illegal aliens hits the Senate floor. The controversial DREAM Act legislation is expected to pass along party lines that heavily favor Democrats.

AB 131 is sponsored by Democratic Assemblyman Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) and proposes illegal alien students can compete for the $40 million in public financial aid like Cal Grants and other fee waivers.

Earlier this year, California Governor Jerry Brown signed part one of the (DREAM ACT) college package AB 130 into law. This law granted illegal alien students access to the state’s $88 million in private financial aid.

As uncertain economic conditions persist, illegal alien access to taxpayer money is sure to create much more opposition. “I struggle to stay in college and depend on financial-aid packages,” said Emily Sanchez, a California State student. “We should not be offering money to those in country illegally before every American student who wants to go to college- period.”

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San Diego to get million dollar-solar energy project from the Obama Admin

2011-08-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

Imperial County, just east of San Diego, has been approved to connect a 250-megawatt solar-power project to California’s energy grid something that will generate power for about 75,000 homes, according to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.

The solar project is expected to create more than 250 jobs during construction and add approximately $5 million in sales tax to the job-starved state.

“Through smart site(ing) of projects, early environmental review and a coordinated approval process, Interior is helping to stand up a renewable energy economy, spurring innovation, job-creation, and investment in the private sector,” Secretary Salazar said about the CSOLAR Development project. “When constructed, this solar project will add to a growing, sustainable energy strategy that will power our local communities and economies.”

This new energy plant represents the Obama Administration’s commitment to solar, wind, geothermal and transmission projects.
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“The solar project itself will be constructed on private, fallowed farm lands near El Centro,” said Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey. “This transmission line will be placed in an area already designated as a transmission corridor. The entire project is sited in a perfect spot for renewable energy development in the California desert.”

The Interior Department’s continued commitment to responsible development of renewable energy was able to move this project forward after conducting an extensive environmental review with the Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessments (EIR/EA).

The EIR/EA worked jointly with the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management, Department of Energy and County of Imperial, to meet the ecological requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Continue reading on Examiner.com San Diego to get million dollar-solar energy project from the Obama Admin - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/san-diego-to-get-million-dollar-solar-energy-project-from-the-obama-admin#ixzz1W45apMMe

A 5K walk slated for August to raise awareness for human trafficking

2011-08-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

“California Against Slavery” will hold its second annual 5K fundraising event on August 28 at Harbor Island Park in San Diego. The event will highlight the need to end human trafficking and funds raised will assist the organization inact measures to curtail modern-day slavery.

All proceeds from the event will go toward a "Move to Stop Modern Day Slavery" a 2012 ballot initiative that will strengthen human trafficking laws and increase victims' rights.

The nonprofit organization contends that human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery and abusers profit from enslaving people for sexual servitude and forced labor.

“Human trafficking is a criminal business that profits from enslaving people for sexual servitude and forced labor. It is a modern-day form of slavery,” said Kristine Kil. “Our mission is to defend the freedom of every child, woman and man by empowering the people of California to fulfill our obligation to stop human trafficking.”
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A 5K competitive timed race and a 5K walk are set to kick off on August 28. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. The competitive race will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m., and the walk starts at 8:45 a.m. A post-event party will include more information about the effects of human trafficking as well as snacks and awards.

For more information regarding the event; http://californiaagainstslavery.org/get-involved/walk/

Or http://www.CaliforniaAgainstSlavery.org

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Border Patrol makes huge crystal meth drug bust in San Diego

2011-08-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

Border Patrol agents at freeway checkpoints thwarted two major drug smuggling attempts and netted a combined seizure of $1.1 million of crystal methamphetamine.

BP agents came across two 19-year-old male United States citizens as they arrived at a San Diego freeway checkpoint. The pair was driving a 2003 Toyota Corolla when agents noticed inconsistent answers to general Border Patrol questions. That behavior landed the men in the secondary inspection center.

“A Border Patrol K-9 team performed a cursory inspection of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert to the driver’s side doors,” said a CBP Press Officer. “Agents searched the vehicle and discovered a hidden compartment inside a speaker box located in the trunk. Inside the compartment, agents found 24 bundles of methamphetamine with a total weight of 30.98 pounds and an estimated street value of $619,600.”

A second freeway checkpoint bust saw Border Patrol agents seize another load of meth worth approximately $470,000 just east San Diego. “Agents discovered 30 bundles totaling 23.5 pounds of the illicit narcotic in a non-factory compartment inside a vehicle’s rear bumper. In total, the two meth seizures are worth nearly $1.1 million on the street,” CBP said.
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The suspected smugglers and drugs were detained and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The vehicles were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

Between October 1, 2010, and July 31, 2011, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 66,350 pounds of marijuana, 1,729 pounds of cocaine, and 393 pounds of methamphetamine.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

ATF promotes 3 ‘fast and furious’ leaders just another ‘screw-up and move-up’

2011-08-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

Instead of firing ATF supervisors for an ill-fated gun program, ATF brass promotes three key players in the “fast and furious” debacle. The “screw-up, move-up” position is nothing new for the federal government.

The controversial Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearm and Explosives' (ATF) “gun walking” program set out to nab cartel gun buyers (straw purchasers), gain media notoriety and add a notch to the agent's belt. However, the failed “fast and furious” program allowed known-criminals to purchase firearms without any beacon-type device to follow the weapons as they made their way to cartel henchmen.

According to ATF agents, there are more than 4,000 open investigations operating under “project gunrunner.”

While Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) focus on Arizona’s “fast and furious,” the country should be demanding all “project gunrunner” investigations be scrutinized. ATF sources contend a number of these investigations continue to operate under questionable rules and will allow "walked guns" to show up at crime scenes for years to come.
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As Congressional investigators collect data and build a case, ATF decided to insulate key "fast and furious" players in their Washington DC headquarters.

It’s especially ironic that William McMahon, who testified at a recent hearing that plenty of mistakes were made, failed to report those mistakes to his supervisors, will now be in charge of ATF’s ethics department. His official title, Deputy Assistant Director of ATF’s Office of Professional Responsibility and Security Operations will solidify his unaccountability.

The Special Agent in Charge of Arizona and directly involved with “fast and furious,” William Newell will also make the trip to DC for his promotion to Special Assistant to the Assistant Director for ATF’s Office of Management.

And finally, Arizona’s “fast and furious” ground supervisor, David Voth heads to Washington DC and will oversee ATF’s Tobacco Division as Branch Chief.

The ill-fated “fast and furious” program resulted in dozens of Mexican federal officer deaths as well as ATF firearms being recovered at the crime scene where Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry lost his life last December. (Only one man remains in custody. Manuel Osorio-Arellanes, a Mexican national, is charged with second-degree murder).

Of course, the quandary left for the fallen officers’ family is responsibility. ATF Agent Newell displayed arrogance for his role in the gun-walking program when he testified at the Congressional hearings. He could have shut down the investigation at any time. Instead, Newell knew the agency would hand-out promotions in order to cover-up mismanagement.

The following are two stories that highlight the federal government’s practice of rewarding failure.

Screw up; move up in play again in Customs and Border Protection

In another clear screw up move up policy set to purge the Legacy Customs representatives from the agency in order to foster a new ‘Global Patrol’ –CBP moves to appoint a well known insider with liberal leanings regarding amnesty to the top post of Acting Deputy Commissioner of CBP.

David V. Aguilar hails from U.S. Border Patrol where he served under Congressmen Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) and has followed the coattails of ‘friends in high places’ all the way to the CBP Acting Deputy Commissioner slot.

“As Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, David has successfully provided leadership and guidance through a period of unprecedented growth and tremendous change while at the same time strengthened control of our nation’s borders,” says Jayson Ahern outgoing CBP Commissioner. “As Acting Deputy Commissioner, he will bring to the position more than 30 years of border security experience, management, and leadership. He is a tested and proven leader and I have the utmost confidence in his abilities to take on this new role.”

No Confidence

In a memo from Ahern, Aguilar receives high praises for his career in law enforcement. However, Aguilar’s record is rife with controversy, power consolidation, and failures.

First, in February 2007, delegates to the National Border Patrol Council’s biennial convention unanimously endorsed a vote of “No Confidence” in Chief Aguilar.

“The vote was the result of increasing frustration by front line Border Patrol Agents in the decisions of their senior leadership,” T.J. Bonner, NBPC National President, said in a statement. “This lack of leadership has caused morale to plummet, which in turn has accelerated the attrition rate among experienced agents. Unless drastic changes are made soon, the goal of securing our borders will remain as elusive as ever.”

Aguilar again received a “No Confidence” vote from his rank and file agents on February 25, 2009.

According to the representatives of the National Border Patrol Council they unanimously supported a vote of "No Confidence" for Chief Aguilar due to his lack of leadership abilities. Hardly the glowing recommendation Ahern described and another example of the ‘screw up and move up’ policies plaguing the CBP and Department of Homeland Security; Keep reading.

San Diego the latest destination for a screw-up move-up border tour

Chris Maston began his colorful career more than twenty years ago in El Paso, Texas as a Border Patrol agent. In true ‘good ole boy’ fashion Maston moved up the ranks and with each questionable indiscretion, his infamous Customs and Border Protection’s career followed the tried and true rule of “screw up and move up.” This dark path to the top has led to Maston’s new post as Port Director of the Customs and Border Patrol’s busiest port of entry in the country, San Ysidro, located in San Diego.

A press release from CBP stated, “Maston brings to the key San Diego position in-depth experience in overseeing large scale passenger and cargo processing programs. He most recently served more than two years as port director at the Miami International Airport, managing more than 1,300 employees at the largest international operation in the U.S. for air cargo and the second largest for international traveler processing.”

“Maston’s recent responsibilities overseeing international traveler inspections, trade enforcement and tactical enforcement operations will provide the tools he needs to manage the busy 24-lane port of San Ysidro and nearby 13-lane Otay Mesa border station where, on average, 63,000 vehicles and 134,000 travelers enter the U.S. each day, CBP DFO Morris said. Maston served from 2004 to 2006 as the assistant director of border security at CBP’s Miami Field Office. In this position, he oversaw border security operations for the Miami, Port Everglades, Key West and West Palm Beach ports of entry.”

Repeated attempts (phone, email and finally showing up at CBP port offices) to interview Maston about his new post in San Diego were all declined. Even when presented with questions regarding new port duties, what challenges he could face and the implementing of his cargo inspection program Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), the new director chose to hide in his office. This begs the question what is he trying to hide?

While mindful of the agency’s important border security mission, Maston said in a press release he will continue to support operations that have proved successful for the field office while striking a working balance between facilitation of legitimate travelers and the need for strong enforcement.

Does this mean Maston will continue his behavior that landed him on the “dontdatehimgirl.com” tell-all web site? The website geared to serial cheaters depicts Maston as a player with multiple work-related affairs. The posting (click here http://www.friendsoftheborderpatrol.com/thereport/CMaston-DontDateHimGirl-Post.pdf) contains a number of postings regarding his time as a top official in Miami.

Can Maston maintain a San Diego CBP Field Office that manages more than 1,800 front-line federal officers at border stations in San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, Tecate, Calexico, and Andrade as well as the San Diego seaport and international airports? These ports completed approximately 66 million inspections of people, seized more than 145 tons of illegal narcotics and apprehended more than 42,000 immigration violators during the last fiscal year. One assumes this is a fulltime job requiring an enormous amount of time and concentration.

President Ronald Reagan summed it up as, “Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession, I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.” Keep reading here.

DEA Agents bust Iraqi-Sinaloa cartel drug smuggling/explosive ring in San Diego

2011-08-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

Federal agents in San Diego broke up a drug trafficking ring involving Iraqi immigrants who worked with one of Mexico’s biggest drug cartel.

Approximately 60 Iraqi immigrants were rounded up and arrested just east of San Diego after the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) completed a six-month investigation. The DEA Agents also collected drugs, grenades, assault weapons and homemade explosives.

Many of the (Christian) Iraqi’s arrested fled the Middle East to avoid threats from al-Qaida during the continuing wars. Authorities say the immigrants worked in concert with the Sinaloa cartel to transport weapons and drugs to Detroit, Michigan.

The DEA seized crystal meth (18 pounds), marijuana (3,500 pounds), cocaine and other narcotics. The agents also recovered four IEDs, 30 firearms and $630,000 in cash.

William Sherman, DEA special agent in charge of San Diego told the Associated Press, “the ring was going to sell a portion of the 3,500 pounds of marijuana, believed to belong to the Sinaloa cartel led by Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman, who has become one of the world's richest and most-wanted men since he escaped from a Mexican prison 10 years ago.”
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The recovery of explosives by DEA is particularly alarming as security across the country is heightened in preparation for the 10-year anniversary of 9/11.

One of the Iraqi’s immigrants told an undercover DEA agent that they were able to obtain more grenades from the Mexican Military personnel.

The arrested drug smugglers face a combination of state and/or federal charges of narcotics, weapon and explosive trafficking. The DEA also reported some of the organized crime arrestees were illegally in the country and will most likely be deported.

Nofel Noel Suleyman was charged with operating a continuing criminal enterprise a charge that carries a mandatory sentence of 20 years in prison.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Escondido Police fight to stay competitive during pay negotiations

2011-08-17T13:37:00.001-07:00

When it comes to law enforcement, the Escondido Police Department tends to lead California regarding rule-of-law policies. Police Chief Jim Maher prides himself on enforcing immigration and traffic safety laws on the books-sometimes to the chagrin of illegal-immigration activists. So when the issue of officer salaries boiled to the surface, the Chief knew negotiations wouldn’t be easy.

The Escondido Police Department (EPD) union leaders knew their salary negotiations would center on campaign promises made by the new Mayor Sam Abed. During the Mayor’s hotly contested political race, he informed voters he would reform employee unions to save the city money.

According to Police Department Union officials, the city’s police department salaries are the lowest in the county and risk turning the nationally acclaimed police department into a training ground for other cities that offer much higher wages.

“Each police officer trainee costs the city more than $100,000 to train. Once a rookie finishes the academy a veteran officer must then patrol with the recruit for a year,” said Frank Huston, Escondido Police Officer and head of the department’s union.
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“Right now we are in a waiting pattern with city Mayor Abed regarding our salaries,” Huston explained. “I’m concerned; really concerned we are on the verge of becoming a training ground for other police departments.”

A similar policy in San Diego resulted in the loss of dozens of officers who chose to move laterally to better paying police departments once they finished their training. The city of San Diego is a top 10 metropolitan city and a SDPD Police officer resigns every six days.

In an effort to avoid the same fate, the Escondido Police Chief sent a memo to the City Council regarding a pay freeze that points out the north county city is dead last when it comes to police officer compensation.

The memo encourages the city to restore six officer positions (to keep up with the growing population), create a second tier retirement plan and have the police department employees contribute nine percent to offset pensions.

“We’ve made concessions in the past to accommodate the city council’s needs,” Huston said. “Now it’s time for the city to work with its officers.” He continues to explain that many EPD dispatchers make more than beat officers with three to five-years of experience.

The memo continues to highlight that EPD is aware of at least 13 veteran officers seeking employment at other higher-paying police departments. And, on average, these lateral transfers will put an additional $12,000 per year into officers’ bank accounts. The memo also indicates that police officers do not retire with six-figure salaries, but closer to $75,000 after 30 years of service (which is the exception not the rule).

While many cities in Southern California see crime statistics rise, Huston says EPD’s crime number has gone down under the leadership of Chief Maher.

The Chief continues to pursue and receive grants from the state of California to hold sobriety and traffic safety checkpoints every-other weekend. Despite protests from open border activists, the Escondido checkpoints have garnered national attention.

“We were recently nominated by MADD for a national safety checkpoint award,” said Lt. Tom Albergo, a 28 year veteran of the Traffic Division.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) picked the Escondido Police Department after they sent a representative from the east coast to monitor the every-other-weekend sobriety/driver’s license checkpoint.

“There are only six police departments in the country up for the award and our officers’ hard work has paid off,” Albergo explained. “Since we started implementing the checkpoints, our traffic accident statistics have steadily decreased.”

A sampling of results showed that EPD’s 2005 hit and runs fell from 660 to 428; all accidents fell 1,632 to 1104; DUI injury accidents fell 152 to 87 and total traffic injuries fell 1,399 to 898. Overall the city of Escondido has lowered various crimes.

While residents enjoy the benefits of a safer community, (crime is down 24 percent from last year) the Escondido Police Department just wants the city council to honor contracts both parties have agreed to and unfreeze the step raises. “I know it’s popular to disparage unions right now,” Huston said. “We’ve all seen the Wisconsin problems, but I just ask the city to recognize our work is labor-intensive and dangerous. Our officers have worked hard to bring down the overall crime rates, and they deserve to have salaries comparable to neighboring cities.”

Huston also points out those officers don’t get Social Security (even though they pay into it) “and the union has agreed to make concessions with new hires. We just want the city to honor our previous agreements.”

When looking for answers to the city’s hard line on police contracts, some officers within the Escondido Police Department contend that the “by-the-book” enforcement of illegal aliens that make up a large chunk of the city’s 147,000 population (approximately 40 percent are Hispanic) is a key reason why the department is being held to the lowest pay scale in the county.

Recently Escondido Mayor Abed told the North County Times that “it might be wise to exempt companies (from E-Verify) that do only occasional business with the city.”

Escondido became the first city in San Diego County requiring private contractors run employees through E-Verify to ensure no illegal aliens were on the payroll. But, issues arose when city staff forgot to include the E-Verify provision in its annual contracts valued under $25,000.

"We'd like to require E-verify for all companies doing business with the city, but we have to make sure it doesn't create a bloated bureaucracy and some problems for us," Abed said. "The key is making sure we include companies that regularly do business with the city."

Escondido Councilwoman Olga Diaz, who voted against the city’s requirement to mandate E-Verify and does not like the EPD sobriety checkpoints, explained the divisive E-Verify policy stance is nothing more than showmanship. "It's a complete waste of time to even bring this up because this policy is not being enforced," Diaz told the Times regarding the city's E-Verify honor-system program. "Adopting the policy was a symbolic move that was all about chest-puffing, and I don't think we ever need to talk about it again."

Setting all the politics aside, one EPD detective pointed to the police department’s policy of “doing what it takes to get the job done” as a benefit for working with Chief Maher. “It’s why we have a top-notch department year after year.”

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

More than 11 pounds of black tar heroin seized in SUV engine

2011-08-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

Border Patrol agents stationed at the State Route 94 checkpoint east of San Diego snagged 11 pounds of black tar heroin.

Agents stopped a red 1999 Dodge Durango over the weekend driven by a 39-year-old female U.S. citizen as she arrived at the checkpoint. During the inspection process, agents noticed the woman’s nervous demeanor and referred the driver to the secondary inspection area.

Once the Border Patrol K-9 team performed the examination of the vehicle, the K-9 alerted agents to the front of the vehicle where the heroin was discovered. Border Patrol thoroughly searched the Durango and discovered a non-factory compartment inside the vehicle’s intake manifold.

“Inside the compartment, agents discovered four foil-wrapped bundles of black tar heroin with a total weight of 11.1 pounds and an estimated street value of $133,200,” said Scott E. Simon, Border Patrol Agent for the San Diego Sector Information and Communication Division.
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“The suspected smuggler and drugs were taken into custody and subsequently turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration,” Simon reported. “The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.”

Since October 1, 2010, San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 68,500 pounds of illicit drugs and taken a number of drug smugglers into custody.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Continue reading on Examiner.com More than 11 pounds of black tar heroin seized in SUV engine - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/more-than-11-pounds-of-black-tar-heroin-seized-suv-engine#ixzz1V8xxrwDt

China's stealth war strategy; why it's working (part one)

2011-08-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

While many western nations naively embrace the Middle Kingdom as the economic savior of their reckless spending, the Chinese have engaged in stealth warfare for world domination against the U.S. and the West.

Like the Russian strategy against Napoleon and Hitler, the Chinese continue to draw the vulnerable West into their web of deception, draining its once bountiful resources, and lulling the zombie-like masses into China’s lair. In other words, they are successfully superseding America’s current sole super-power status, without firing a shot.

China's stealth war against the West has taken every form available to it in a true adherence to Sun Tu's mantra of first knowing the enemy to defeat him.

America demonstrates weakness in the following areas;

* National Defense -Vulnerability to Cyber and Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) Attacks
* National Debt $16 Trillion and Climbing - Currency Manipulation
* Energy Resource Allocation- Precious and Rare Earth Metals
* Weak Border Enforcement –Illegal Drugs and Immigration
* Addiction to Cheap Technology and Labor

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Knowing the first principle of capitalism that money and investment seek the highest return, China has fed the West’s insatiable appetite for cheap labor and seemingly limitless markets, while they manipulate their currency. However, this spending addiction has come with a price tag for the U.S.

America continues to rack up trillion dollar deficits while the industrious Chinese have amassed large currency reserves of at least $2.5 trillion.

While the West purchases Chinese flat screen TVs, the People’s Republic of China has acquired 98 percent of the world’s rare earth minerals, has become the largest creditor nation on earth and owns at least 1,054.1 tons of gold (However the Business Insider claims China is secretly stockpiling gold without reporting it to the IMF).

The Chinese government continues to steal technology that costs the West billions in the development of intellectual property, openly participates in the piracy and counterfeiting of Western technology and goods, as well as employs legions of spies and agents to acquire the most secret, sophisticated weaponry the West is developing.

An example of this comes from Pakistan. During the recent clandestine raid that killed the world’s most wanted terrorist, Osama bin Laden, military personnel crashed a never-seen-before, top-secret stealth helicopter. During their hasty exit, the Navy SEALs tried to destroy the helicopter, unfortunately, much of the tail section remained intact.

According to a Financial Times news report over the weekend, Pakistan allowed Chinese military experts take samples of the “stealth skin” and photograph the never-seen-before technology left by American Special Forces. Once again the Chinese have now gained first-hand knowledge of billion dollar military technology for virtually no investment. (Read complete story here).

But the Chinese are not simply collecting classified information; they have developed an anti-satellite missile, launched its first aircraft carrier, acquired supersonic stealth aircraft, built (20) nuclear armed intercontinental missiles and maintains a three million strong army.

To further complicate matters, the U.S. has confirmed that China is providing Iran, Syria and Pakistan with sophisticated missile technology to further destabilize the Middle East ensuring our distraction from its agenda.

Another Chinese danger lurking in the sky is Electronic Magnetic Pulse (EMP) technology. This high-tech weaponry is detonated by a nuclear weapon at a high altitude and devastates electrical grids. “Communications would collapse, transportation would halt and electrical power would simply be nonexistent,” Heritage Foundation’s James Carafano explains. “Not even a global humanitarian effort would be enough to keep hundreds of millions of Americans from death by starvation, exposure, or lack of medicine. Most of Canada would be devastated, too, as its infrastructure is integrated with the U.S. power grid.”

Carafano describes the calamity has the potential to collapse the world economy and send the planet into a “new” Dark Age.

It’s probably not coincidental that the Pentagon reports more than one million cyber-intrusions each day to classified government data bases within its 15,000 computer networks and 7 million Department of Defense computers. These classified cyber-and-virus attacks by foreign nations, namely China, have led to the establishment of a U.S. military anti-cyber theft unit which comes with significant overheads.

“Our strategy's overriding emphasis is on denying the benefit of an attack,” explained William Lynn, deputy defense secretary for the Pentagon. “There will eventually be a marriage of capability and intent, where those who mean us harm will gain the ability to launch damaging cyber attacks. We need to develop stronger defenses before this occurs.”

China’s campaign against “soft” targets also includes supplying Mexican drug cartels with hundreds of tons in chemicals used to produce crystal methamphetamine. This effort ensures a significant portion of Americans remain oblivious. Yet, if non-Chinese citizens are caught trying to obtain the same chemicals in China, they pay with their lives.

Also the U.S. recently arrested Chinese/Mexican businessman Zhenli Ye Gon, who works closely with the Sinaloa cartel, for illicit drug collusion. According to reports and federal agents, the U.S. government filed an indictment charging Zhenli Ye Gon with conspiracy to aid and abet the importation of chemicals used in methamphetamine. After two years of legal wrangling, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia dismissed the case with prejudice in August 2009.

As Butch Cassidy famously said, “who are these guys?”

And for that matter how long can America remain in denial and claim China, our economic savior, is not waging an anti-West campaign that seeks world domination and the demise of America?

This is part one of a series on the stealth threat China poses to America.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Continue reading on Examiner.com China's stealth war strategy; why it's working (part one) - National Homeland Security | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/china-s-war-strategy-why-it-s-working-part-one#ixzz1V6uCKRbk

Los Angeles City Council votes to make August “Immigrant Pride Month”

2011-08-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

All council members present decided the city’s 1.6 million immigrants that make up 40 percent of the population deserved to be recognized.

The resolution deems Los Angeles a “global city” that represents many cultures and languages. In the past, the city has also voiced its disapproval of Arizona’s adoption of SB1070 as well as other copycat illegal immigration laws springing up in many other states.

“Anti-immigrant legislation like SB 1070 in Arizona and other ‘copy-cat’ measures now circulating across the nation inherently cause racial profiling and discrimination against certain ethno-racial groups that 'look and sound' like immigrant populations,” the resolution reads.

Los Angeles Council members have recognized several pro-immigrant advocates in California who are actively engaged to repeal Arizona's anti-immigrant laws, as well as prevent anti-immigrant legislation from passing in other states as a reason to adopt the resolution.
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The council clearly indicated they supported the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act even though it failed at the federal level last year during the lame-duck session in Congress.

“In 2011 important efforts are unfolding in California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts and other states to enact pro-immigrant policies, as well as withdraw from ineffective and/or heavy-handed federal enforcement polices like Secure Communities.”

However, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) just announced they are rescinding the Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) on Secure Communities with states like California, Illinois, New York and Massachusetts that want to withdraw from the program. DHS maintains that the Secure Communities program is mandated by federal law and said it will implement the program nationwide by 2013.

For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak

© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Los Angeles City Council votes to make August “Immigrant Pride Month” - San Diego County Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/los-angeles-city-council-votes-to-make-august-immigrant-pride-month#ixzz1Uey6EKF5

Bastardization of the 14th Amendment

2011-08-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

The arrogance of Democrats’ calls for the president to invoke the 14th Amendment to by-pass Congress to raise the debt ceiling demonstrates their lack of Constitutional knowledge, but also their ignorance of the basic checks and balances between the three branches of government.

The third-ranking House Democrat, James Clyburn, said if Congress delivers a short-term debt deal, the president should veto it. The Southern Democrat pointed to the Constitution that says “the validity of the public debt of the United States… shall not be questioned.” Therefore, Clyburn says, the President “should sign an executive order invoking the 14th Amendment” to end the debt ceiling issue.

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) said the 14th Amendment should be the President’s last resort, “As far as the 14th Amendment is concerned, I urge everybody to get their Constitution and read it. It says the debts of the United States shall not be questioned.”

Even the mention of invoking the 14th Amendment sent some Republicans into a tizzy.

“Congress has the power to lay and collect taxes. It’s Congress that does the spending,” said Presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann (R-MN) during a CNN appearance. “The president is prohibited to do that (unilaterally raise America’s borrowing power). If he had the power to do that (borrow and spend), he would effectively be a dictator.” She is right.

Since all spending bills must originate in the House, (All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other bills.” Art I, Sec 7). Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner’s claims that the President can pick and choose what debts the U.S. will pay are disingenuous. If a credit obligation is authorized by Congress, it must be paid.

The misunderstanding also extends to those GOP lawmakers who wished to invoke the 14th Amendment to un-anchor “illegal alien anchor babies” – this is a 14th Amendment history lesson.

GOP Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) sought to revise the 14th Amendment, which currently grants citizenship to those born on America soil (this provision does not to extend to foreign diplomats).
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Even Speaker of the House, John Boehner (R-OH), said the change was “worth considering.”

However, John McCain(R-AZ), coauthor of McCain-Kennedy immigration bill, said he would support holding hearings on the (anchor baby) issue in light of the 14th Amendment.

So what is the 14th Amendment and why is it such a misunderstood and erroneously cited authority?

The 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868 to ensure that all former slaves were granted automatic United States citizenship, and enjoy all the rights, privileges and immunities of any other citizen.

A concise explanation of the 14th Amendment meaning comes from a paper written by Attorney Doug Hammerstrom. “In 1873 when the Supreme Court heard the Slaughterhouse Cases, its first 14th Amendment case, the Court rebuked the attempts of business interests to use the amendment, saying that the Fourteenth Amendment’s ‘main purpose was to establish the citizenship of the Negro.’ Justice Miller added, “We doubt very much whether any action of a State not directed by way of discrimination against the Negroes as a class, or on account of their race, will ever be held to come within the purview of this provision.”

The question American’s should be asking is what exactly does the emancipation of black slaves has to do with debt limits and illegal immigration in the United States in 2011?

President Obama, a self-proclaimed-Constitutional scholar, should know better and chastise Congress regarding the roles of the three branches of government. Section 5 of the 14th Amendment unambiguously states, “The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.”

The Constitution remains the people’s document; it represents the beacon of freedom and protects the people’s liberty. And perhaps, more importantly, it has withstood the test of time.

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© Copyright 2011 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.

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