Judge orders Minutemen road sign to be reposted

San Diego Union-Tribune ^ | June 29, 2008 | Tanya Sierra

[South40]

Caltrans moved them from I-5 checkpoint

FEDERAL COURT
A federal judge has ordered Caltrans to repost the San Diego Minutemen road sign on a two-mile stretch of Interstate 5, a victory for the anti-illegal immigration group.

The Minutemen were granted a northbound stretch of the highway near the Border Patrol's checkpoint south of San Clemente in November as part of the Adopt-a-Highway litter cleanup program. They were reassigned to state Route 52 near Santee in January after complaints to the agency about the group's controversial nature and the location near the checkpoint.

The group, alleging free-speech discrimination, sued Caltrans in February and in May requested a preliminary injunction to restore the sign while lawsuit was pending.

District Judge William Q. Hayes on Friday granted the preliminary injunction, saying there was not enough evidence to support the safety risk.

Caltrans argued there was a risk of confrontation on the freeway near the sign, after meeting with local Latino groups and state legislators.

Minutemen attorney, Howard Kaloogian, said yesterday that safety claims were “bogus.”

“It's a total victory,” Kaloogian said. “The government through Caltrans has taken sides. They are supposed to be viewpoint neutral in the way they administer their rules and regulations.”

In a prepared statement, Caltrans Director Will Kempton said the agency will consider its options, which include appealing the judge's decision.

“It's regrettable the court did not agree with our concerns for the safety implications,” Kempton said. “We are reviewing the judge's decision and determining next steps.”

In May, the group requested another sign on the southbound side of I-5, according to a statement issued by founder Jeff Schwilk.

Caltrans has 30 days to restore the northbound sign, but Kaloogian said he hopes it it replaced tomorrow.

“They don't need 30 days; it's a sign, for Pete's sake.”

[raybbr]

Caltrans argued there was a risk of confrontation on the freeway near the sign, after meeting with local Latino groups and state legislators.

Isn't that almost always the case? Meet with a "minority" group and a threat of violence is the result?

[ruination]

Great news. I heard a phalanx of ethnic advocates in the state gov were fighting this at every step.

[Paladin2]

Takes the meaning of litter cleanup to a whole new level.

[kcvl]

excerpt from a letter that the Cal Trans Director, Will Kempton tried to keep from the SDMM (San Diego Minutemen) legal team

We applaud you for understanding the sensitivity of this issue. Your commitment to immediately revoking this organization’s permit to adopt a highway and the removal of the sign in San Diego is the most prudent approach in avoiding any future violence and discrimination. The Latino Caucus will continue to insist that the history of discrimination and violence by the Minutemen is enough evidence to permanently ban this organization from ever participating in the Adopt-A-Highway Program."

The letter was signed by Gil Cedillo and Joe Coto on behalf of the Latino Caucus.

[Paladin2]

Violins? What violins?

[kcvl]

former lobbyist

He joined the lobbying firm (1993), Smith, Watts & Co. and specialized in transportation issues.

******

July 13, 2007

Daughter of state official died after partying with them.

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/270691.html

[bornred]

Better put these signs back up, too:

[Bob]

“They don't need 30 days; it's a sign, for Pete's sake.”

It may only be a sign but, remember, Howard, we're talkng about CalTrans here.

[Howindependent]

“The Latino Caucus will continue to insist that the history of discrimination and violence by the Minutemen is enough evidence to permanently ban this organization from ever participating in the Adopt-A-Highway Program.”

By any chance, did the Latino Caucus provide any evidence to support this statement? No? Didn’t think so.

[AuntB]

““The Latino Caucus will continue to insist that the history of discrimination and violence by the Minutemen is enough evidence to permanently ban this organization from ever participating in the Adopt-A-Highway Program.”

By any chance, did the Latino Caucus provide any evidence to support this statement? No? Didn’t think so.”

In fact, it’s just the opposite. There has been NO violence by any minutemen, but they are attacked ALL the time. It’s the old proven ploy of ‘repeat a lie often enough....’.

Here’s the most recent:
Minutemen Takes Down Goon - Goon Arrested (pics)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2037884/posts

[bcsco]

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