March 5, 2026 https://www.times-advocate.com/articles/letter-to-the-editor-appalled-at-the-councils-behavior/
As always, we appreciate the Times Advocate’s willing to publish a variety of views in their letters to the editor.
Editor, Times-Advocate:
I am appalled at the City Council’s behavior at the February 25, 2026 council meeting. Hundreds of your constituents attended the meeting and spoke, expressing their deep concern for their personal safety and the safety of their friends and loved ones. It was clear the contract signed with ICE by the Escondido Police Department for the use of the City’s firing range for ICE training is symbolic of the City’s support of ICE activities and that your constituents were asking, if not begging you to demonstrate your support for the community by taking a stand against cooperation with ICE and cancel the contract. After four hours of heartfelt and emotional speeches, the attitude the City Council (Consuelo Martinez excepted) towards the community lacked empathy and was outright insulting.
Judy Fitzgerald, you were dismissive of the comments and demonstrated complete disrespect for your constituents by fact checking statements made by the speakers. Semantics aside, in my mind and in the mind of many others, there is no difference between kidnapping and the apprehension and detainment of and individual against their will without cause or warrant. It was clear to me, your mind was already made up before the start of the meeting.
Joe Garcia, your rambling monologue did nothing but insult the intelligence of your constituents. Your reluctance to act for fear of repercussions from the current presidential administration demonstrates the power this authoritarian administration has over you. Your position is clear. You won’t take a stand against this authoritarian regime and the rogue paramilitary organization is it using to divide and intimidate the public and political rivals. What freedoms will you give up next?
Dane White, I am embarrassed for you. Your refusal to take a stand and hide behind policy versus operations is cowardice. You were elected to represent the City of Escondido and handle the tough issues. While the ICE contract may have been an operational decision, the ramifications rose to your desk and warrants your consideration. The fact that you allowed the issue to be discussed during a council meeting is acknowledgement that you know this.
Christian Garcia, you stand with the others. Your constituents will remember this.
Consuelo Martinez, thank you for listening and showing respect and dignity towards your constituents. It is unfortunate you stand alone among your complacent peers.
WILLIAM GOLIGHTLY, Escondido