SD Sheriff Gore seeks top-secret spy to join its Fusion Center
Former FBI agent and current San Diego Sheriff, Bill Gore is looking for a highly-skilled terrorism analyst to join the Department’s highly coveted Fusion Center. The job requires candidates to obtain top-security clearances, experience with terrorism activities and the ability to work with other federal agencies like the CIA.
Due to San Diego’s proximity to the southwest border, its ties to the 9/11 suicide terrorist attack (two terrorists lived in San Diego when Gore was with the FBI) and his prior work as a G-man, the Sheriff Department participates in the Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Center (RTTAC) multi-agency task force.
The task force focuses on terrorism-specific intelligence and information gathering in an effort to prevent future attacks inside U.S. borders.
According to the Sheriff Department website, participating agencies include the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), California Department of Justice, California Highway Patrol, Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Governor’s Office of Homeland Security. The RTTAC is co-located with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and a Criminal Intelligence component and together comprise the Law Enforcement Coordination Center (LECC), San Diego’s Intelligence “Fusion Center.”
The new Terrorism Liaison Officer will work with other San Diego first responders to “outsmart” potential terrorists by strategically formulating a possible threat and create contingency plans to prevent a terrorist incident.
“The concept is simple: Prior to terrorists flying jet liners into buildings, there are certain planning actions they must do to prepare for such an attack. These actions are often accompanied by indicators/warnings (“clues”) that an attack is being planned. By providing an awareness of these indicators, the goal is to encourage reporting of suspicious circumstances/incidents, thus preventing an attack,” according to the Sheriff Department.
Some of the job duties Sheriff Gore requires from potential candidates include: Evaluating data from a variety of law enforcement sources, conduct extensive research, and prepare intelligence products for dissemination by other agencies familiar with terrorism threats.
Specifically the top-secret position also requires past intelligence analyst experience pertaining to counter-terrorism, international terrorism, critical infrastructure knowledge and the ability to work with other federal agencies.
The intelligence analysts should have analytical work experience on the southwest border and work experience involving products developed from High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiatives.
The Sheriff Department directs those wishing to be considered to register with Morgan Franklin Clearance Jobs.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/homeland-security-in-national/kimberly-dvorak
© Copyright 2012 Kimberly Dvorak All Rights Reserved.
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San Diego Sheriff’s Dept. sued over conceal carry gun permits
Late Friday night court documents were released outlining plaintiffs’ undisputed facts and statements regarding the right of qualified individuals to carry a concealed firearm in San Diego County.
The lawsuit was filed last year is finally making its way through the federal court system and the November 1st trial date sets up a showdown with gun right’s advocates and San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff William Gore and San Diego County.
A list of boiler-plate undisputed facts, filed by plaintiffs, included items like; with few exceptions California prohibits unlicensed individuals from carrying loaded firearms; The only licensed public carrying of loaded firearms is via a “concealed carry” (i.e., with a CCW permit), except in a few sparsely populated counties where one may obtain a license to carry a loaded handgun openly; California law allows for only a Sheriff or Chief of Police to issue a permits to carry a concealed, loaded handgun in public to residents of their jurisdictions or to non-residents who spend a substantial period of time in their principal place of employment or business within that jurisdiction.
Once the attorneys agree on the undisputed facts the courts (or judge) will resolve any remaining undisputed facts between the parties- a fight, which will take place in a federal courtroom.
Among the key challenges facing the County of San Diego and Sheriff Gore will be the alleged preferential treatment for certain residents in the County. The plaintiffs who have had the opportunity to examine public records in the Sheriff’s Department as part of the litigation charge that the county as well as Sheriff Gore freely gives members of the Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association CCWs easy access to become licensed to carry firearms.
One of the Plaintiffs Dr. Leslie Buncher’s denial letter from the Sheriff Department read: “The documentation you have provided does not indicate you are a specific target or that you are currently being threatened in any manner. The Sheriff’s Department does not issue CCW’s based on fear alone.”
Buncher and other plaintiffs contend that membership in the Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association yielded different results in the CCW application process- all were issued permits.
All Plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit sought a CCW from the County for self-defense purposes, but were denied, except in the case of Plaintiffs Laxson and Dodd decided who did not to apply because they were dissuaded at their initial interview with the Sheriff’s Department and were told they didn’t satisfy the requirements of the County’s policy.
Specifically, Mark Cleary describes in a sworn declaration, provided to the court under the penalty of perjury that he went to the Sheriff’s Department on April 8, 2005 to meet with the firearms licensing division and was questioned about his need for a CCW permit. Officials stated the requirements were “very strict” and encouraged Cleary to withdraw his application.
“They told me I could withdraw my application, and if I did not withdraw it, I would have a denial on my record with the Department of Justice,” Cleary explained in his declaration to the court.
However, Cleary’s application to carry a conceal weapon gets more interesting when he joined the Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association (HDSA), after many people informed Cleary that joining the HDSA would increase his chances of getting the firearm permit as well as streamline the CCW process.
“I discovered it was common knowledge among everyone who had any relation to the San Diego Sheriff’s process for issuing permits to carry a concealed handgun that certain people, including HDSA members, received preferential treatment when applying for a permit to carry a concealed handgun,” Clearly claimed.
Curiously, after becoming an HDSA member and asking then, Under-Sheriff Gore, to reconsider his application for a CCW, Gore allegedly said he would see what he could do, according to court documents. Shortly thereafter, “without warning, my first permit to carry a concealed handgun arrived in the mail.”
Just as mysteriously as Cleary’s CCW permit’s arrival was the fact that Cleary’s third renewal was denied.
“I ceased being a member of the Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association in January of 2010 because I was having financial issues and could not afford to continue paying the $175-$250 I paid annually to be a member.”
After signing onto this lawsuit Cleary says he asked for an appeal with Assistant Sheriff R. Ahern to review the denial of his CCW application and after the meeting he was given his conceal carry permit for a third time.
The plaintiffs also strongly believe the San Diego Sheriff’s Department continues its practice of preferential treatment for Honorary Sheriff’s Deputy Association members in the CCW application process. Plaintiffs’ undisputed facts Number 18 will certainly be the source of countywide heartache. It reads; “Curiously, certain HDSA members were granted CCWs by the county despite failing to provide such documentation. For example, in the ‘good cause’ section of their applications, some HDSA members merely stated ‘personal protection’ or ‘protection’ without out further explanation or supporting documentation.”
This information was discovered by the plaintiff’s attorneys and investigators who waded through hundreds of CCW applications located within the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.
The group wholly believes the strongest part of their case lies with Cleary’s statement in which he was denied, became an HDSA member, personally met with then Under-Sheriff Gore and magically got his CCW permit.
The plaintiffs also contend “the County holds HDSA members to different, much more lenient standards than the general public, including Plaintiffs, when issuing CCWs. In fact, not one single HDSA member who, while in good standing, has sought a CCW from the County from 2006 to the present has been denied, while 18 nonmembers have been denied and an unknown number of others decided not to formally apply based on their initial interview or failure to satisfy the County’s strict ‘good cause’ requirement applicable to the general public.”
Plaintiffs have lodged 23 undisputed facts and numerous exhibits, some of which are not publically available because they were provided to the court under seal, will make their way to federal court on November 1 of this year. Many 2nd Amendment advocates will be closely monitoring this case and hope that beneficial pro-gun rights benchmarks are tendered that can be used throughout the Golden State.
For those wishing to follow this case and view the documents quoted in this article, the case is titled “3:09-cv-02371-IEG-BGS Peruta v. County of San Diego et al” and available on the Federal Court’s PACER website.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/county-political-buzz-in-san-diego/kimberly-dvorak
Missing teenager Chelsea King’s body found – family says goodbye
When all seems lost in the world and the rottenness rears its ugly head the community of Poway steps up to the challenge and shows its grace and poise.
The city of Poway is no stranger to adversity. When California was on fire Poway claimed the lion share of the destruction. Neighbors helped neighbors, there wasn’t much of a need with shelters as residents brought supplies, opened up their homes and made the best of the difficult times.
Today, the city recovered a bright young teenager with a lifetime of experiences ahead of her. The community she called home came out by the thousands to show their solidarity with her family.
St. Michaels Catholic Church was another place Chelsea called home and at the candle light vigil -family, friends and strangers gathered to remember the light that Chelsea King represented and mourn that extinguished light whose life was cut short.
Chelsea had a loving family complete with all the teenage silliness girls possess. Her friends talked about her “quirkiness” they would no longer be a part of. They talked about the friend that would brighten their day even if it weren’t a good day.
Chelsea’s peer sister explained that all the kids at school wore orange today – “she is the epitome of orange.” Another friend said they wore blue yesterday “they were sad.”
“Now we all wear orange searching for our Nemo in a ocean of blue,” Chelsea’s cadre of friends said.
The family who endured the wretchedness of the past six days, still found the grace to thank the thousands of well wishers, volunteers and friends who will ultimately carry the burden of consoling a family that had a daughter, a sister and a friend stolen from them.
“She will be my angel forever. Thank you everyone who helped search and who will now help us heal. Keep her alive for us, we love all of you, we love all of you,” her father Brent King said at the candle light vigil.
The St. Michaels Catholic Church priest had a few words to say about Chelsea as well. “You all will face three challenges. Your faith has been challenged tonight, your hope has been challenged tonight and your love has been challenged tonight. It’s okay to feel the hurt and the pain. It’s the gift of God that is with us and will help us through.”
Once the final words were spoken, the community walked slowly along Pomerado Road, their path was guided by candlelight and the procession stretched for a few miles.
As the lights dimmed, a large full moon rose in the sky and it felt like Chelsea was radiating all the love she had left to give, smiling downward one last time before she took her place next to the angels.
For now Poway is left to mourn a senseless tragedy, a crime committed by a coward who stalked his victim and showed no respect or remorse for the preciousness that Chelsea embodied. Rest peacefully, Chelsea, you will not be forgotten.
For the traditional news story; http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2010m3d2-Missing-teenager-highlights-sexual-predators–law-enforcement-concerns
National security flaws shine through at a yearly security Congressional meeting
There are many reasons applicants are denied the right to carry a hand gun, prior brushes with the law, inconsistent legal records or lack of need, however in San Diego it appears if they just don’t like you your conceal carry permit application it is stamped – DENIED.
It’s true California is a liberal state and as such keeps a close eye on the state’s gun owners, however, San Diego takes exception to what constitutes residency in order to prevent gun owners from legally carrying their weapon. As a result, Edward Peruta has filed a lawsuit against San Diego County and Sheriff William Gore – leveling some precedent setting charges.
Peruta, a Connecticut native, owns home in several states (including California), calls himself a liberal Democrat and is a firm believer in the Second Amendment and finds it odd that he is having so many troubles in San Diego.
“I guess you could say my wife sums it up best, California seems to follow the ‘rules de jour,’” Peruta said.
His San Diego saga began when he and his wife decided to take their home on the road, a motor home that is. When the Peruta’s made the decision to travel across the country law enforcement officers encouraged him to carry a firearm for protection.
“It seemed plausible enough, we were traveling in a vehicle with only one exit, carrying quite a bit of cash and would pass through areas where cell phone coverage would be spotty,” Peruta explained. “So I naturally looked into what the process was for states around the country and put together a piecemeal gun owner application process in the states I owned homes. I wanted to make sure I was covered wherever I traveled.”
His logic garnered him three conceal carry permits in the states of Connecticut, Florida and Utah. In each state he went through the application process that included references and background checks. Smooth sailing for Peruta in other states would not meet with the same result in San Diego.
“I knew there was going to be trouble when I turned in my application at the San Diego Sheriff’s office and they denied me before they even took my application! I was stunned by their lack of candor,” Peruta explains.
According to the San Diego Sheriff’s paperwork they received Peruta’s application and he was interviewed by Donna Burns, a licensed supervisor on November 17, 2008. During the initial phase of the CCW application process Burns advised him he did not meet the criteria for a CCW license and was denied the ability to turn in an application.
“I wasn’t happy about the decision and returned in December to talk to Blanca Pelowitz, a manager, who concurred with her staff that I did not qualify to even hand in my application for processing,” he said.
At this point his career in journalism kicked in and he insisted the Sheriff’s Department take his application, his references and required fees.
In paperwork obtained from Peruta, the San Diego Sheriff ‘s office had this to say. “Despite the fact Peruta was told he did not meet the criteria for a CCW license Peruta insisted this office accept his application. Peruta was advised that no monies would be refunded once his application was accepted.”
Houston we have a problem, collecting 100 percent of the fees and not refunding money is against California Penal Code.
This is where the San Diego Sheriff Department ‘s claim begins to unravel. The psychic abilities of the San Diego Sheriff’s office are amazing. Apparently they can predict which CCW applications will be approved and those that won’t without reading and checking completed CCW applications.
One of the main sticking points for San Diego Sheriff employees is the fact Peruta lives in his motor home at Campland on the Bay in San Diego, from November 15 to April 15 each year. The department balks at Peruta’s residence even though he has presented paperwork for the last two years, fulfilling the residency requirement the Sheriff Department claims is mandatory for a successful application.
The lawsuit Peruta filed will tackle the residency issue San Diego is claiming as the leading indicator for denial of his CCW permit. The thorough process the SD Sheriff’s office says they completed did not include contacting the plaintiff’s eight character references, including three law enforcement officers, disregarding the three states that have issued CCW permits to Peruta already and looking at the “good cause” aspects in connected to the CCW submitted application.
Wording contained in the Second Amendment lawsuit stipulated Peruta provided all the required information necessary for a successful application. Mr. Peruta also turned in a completed and certified National Rifles Association (NRA) Basic Pistol Safety Course, an eight-hour Firearms Safety Proficiency Certificate, Good Cause and Durational Residency in San Diego, yet he was still turned down.
San Diego Sheriff candidate, Jay LaSuer, who is running against Gore in the upcoming election, has made many statements about the CCW process and has openly endorsed a “shall issue” stance. “If a person can pass a background check and is a law abiding citizen they ‘shall’ receive a CCW license,” LaSuer explains. “When you have a Sheriff like Gore who doesn’t understand the law, how can you expect him to apply it?”
The County and Sheriff’s Department have requested the case be dismissed, however the law remains on Peruta’s side and he is prepared to take this all the way. “I’ve discussed this with my attorney and we will take it to the Supreme Court if we need to,” he candidly said.
Looking down the road Peruta remains confident. “I never thought of anything but winning, and often think of the people who don’t know how to litigate or don’t have the personal funds or funding sources to solve their problems. I wasn’t looking for a legal fight with San Diego but couldn’t walk away given the facts and circumstances. I have the facts, knowledge, finances and legal resources to address this issue.”
What does Peruta want to happen as a result of the lawsuit? He hopes the staff of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department becomes educated, by court order or agreement if need be in how to read and implement provisions of the California Penal Code and make decisions based on the exact wording contained in the state law. He says it’s important for public employees regardless of the public agency they work for to listen, and treat individuals with the respect they deserve.
The continued disconnect between ‘real America’ and ‘bureaucratic America’ creates an unnecessary barrier for Joe taxpayer the result often ends with a lawsuit. “I would like public employees to stop adding or using words which are not contained in the law when making decisions,” Peruta explains.
Looking to change the way the San Diego Sheriff’s office does business is priority number one for Peruta, but the fact that many California residents don’t understand the law as it is written means they rely on public officials to be truthful during the application process.
“I believe that if this case is not settled and finds its way for whatever reason to a higher court, it has the potential to impact the right to bear arms across the country for countless law abiding individuals. I’d like to believe that this case will clarify and correct the current pattern of abuse which exists in the State of California regarding CCW licenses,” Peruta says.
At a minimum, Peruta would like to obtain and possess a government issued CCW permit, to exercise his second amendment right to defend himself and family members if necessary in California and receive compensation for the substantial amount of legal fees this case is sure to generate.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Department was contacted to respond to this lawsuit and have refused to respond.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner
Freedom of Information Act gleans erroneous data regarding Military LRADs at town hall
The San Diego Sheriff’s Department was rocked with controversy for placing military Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs) at August town halls discussing health care. The device targeted Congresswoman Susan Davis-D and Congressman Darrell Issa-R, neither had any comment regarding the deadly LRAD misuse.
Now we know why Issa was silent – he has endorsed Sheriff Bill Gore who is in a dog fight with three other candidates to keep his job.
At a recent debate, all three candidates called Sheriff Gore on the carpet for placing military equipment used to repel terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan in the parking lot where U.S. citizens were invited by their elected representatives to engage in a discussion about health care.
That being said, Sheriff Candidate Jim Duffy explained he was present at the sales pitch for the LRAD and could not believe this military sonic weapon was on site. “I question why the LRAD would be at the event at all.”
After learning the LRAD military device required a fair amount of training and according to the manufacturer shouldn’t be operated within 75 meters of people because the weapon could cause permanent hearing loss or death, a Freedom of Information Act was filed with the Sheriff Department.
Once the training manuals and logs were requested, this reporter received some interesting documents via email from Sheriff Gore’s office. First, a four-page purchase order from a local San Diego company that sold the LRAD device for American Technologies seemed normal.
Second was a PDF copy of how the LRADs operate. This document appeared to be photocopied and came from the website http://science.howstuffworks.com/lrad. Anyone can find this on a LRAD Google search. This was far from impressive and completely unexpected when it came to what was expected from the Sheriff Department request.
The third and final document the Sheriff’s Department produced was a 55-page LRADx training manual from the manufacture. This manual discussed the usage of LRADs; crowd control was not mention within this manual.
In fact, the document was more of an overview of the LRAD device. More importantly the first page explains the LRAD weapon was developed specifically in response to the USS Cole terrorist attack in October 2000.
“The LRAD fulfills the capability to hail, warn and notify approaching vessels with prerecorded messages,” the manual reads. Photographs within the LRAD manual show an easy to operate on/off switch and a simple round knob used to adjust the decibel-sound levels.
The LRAD uses a sonic sound wave to deter or flush out the enemy. As the acoustic decibel-level intensifies, operational personnel must wear protective ear gear. LRAD sound decibels range from 20, noticeable, to 160+ which results in permanent hearing loss and/or loss of life.
Research gleaned from the Sheriff’s documents indicated the LRAD device had complaints from human rights groups and hearing specialists. They concluded the LRADs “are still weapons and have caused deaths in some circumstances.”
An email from Sheriff Gore read, “Attached are records in the possession of the Sheriff’s Department that concern the LRAD device. The Sheriff’s Department does not maintain any ‘logs.’”
However, Jay LaSuer, who is a former Sheriff Deputy and is running against Sheriff Gore, couldn’t disagree more with the Sheriff when it comes to training manuals or logs. “When I worked at the Sheriff Department Academy we keep very detail training logs for each deputy. These meticulous logs were kept just in case anything transpired with any deputy on the force.”
The company that sold Sheriff Gore the American Technologies LRAD revealed they no longer sell the device because there is better equipment on the market. The company spokesperson admitted that 95 percent of the devices sold were to military outlets.
Another interesting detail is American Technologies doesn’t require a license to purchase the military LRAD device. It was up to the good standing of a company to ‘check out’ potential customers.
“We definitely used good judgment when it came to selling the LRAD; it’s our fiduciary responsibility to do so. Plus, the company was founded by retired military veterans,” a company spokesman said. “Training is essential with this type of equipment.”
This detail leaves one wondering with Sheriff Gore’s background of missteps, can San Diego expect another Ruby Ridge-type accident to happen under Sheriff Gore’s less-than-stellar record. It also questions the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, who appointed Gore to the Sheriff post when Kolender retired, whether they did any homework during the hiring process.
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner
Military LRAD devices placed at town halls come under fire
As town halls unfolded across the country without incident, San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore took it upon himself to place military equipment used in Iraq to repel terrorists, at two San Diego events. The device is also used by the U.S. Navy to repel terrorists from ships.
Gore, who is now under fire for his decision to place the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) at town hall events, went on record to explain his decision making.
At a Sheriff’s debate Gore was asked directly (by this writer) why he felt the need to place such heavy-handed piece of military equipment at two area town halls.
“The LRAD was purchased as a crowd dispersal unit,” Sheriff Gore explained. “It was held in reserve in both Susan Davis-D CA. and Darrell Issa-R CA/Duncan Hunter-R CA. events should there be any problems. We could use the LRAD in place of pepper spray.”
Although Gore said the LRAD was held in reserve, a photo taken at the town hall proves otherwise, said a Department of Defense Security Contractor source close to the story.
Gore continued to add that the devise is a non-lethal piece of equipment.
However that couldn’t be further from the truth. Sheriff candidate Jay LaSuer said, “I dispute this answer. It’s a very, very lethal weapon and they (LRAD) have no place in law enforcement.”
“Why would you use a LRAD when members of Congress invited people to talk about health care? The majority of the attendees are probably on Medicare. Are we going after terrorists on walkers now?” LaSuer said.
Spokesperson, Joe Kasper from Congressman Hunter’s office had this to say.
“We were not aware of any type of technology being used to monitor the event at which the Congressman appeared. Law enforcement always stands to benefit from more advanced equipment but, regardless of the system, these tools should be utilized in a manner that is both safe and responsible. More importantly, there are certain systems that should only be used when absolutely necessary, so I think it’s reasonable to question the practicality of this particular technology in this situation.”
Numerous calls made to Congresswoman Davis’s office went unreturned.
Further disputing the call to place military weaponry at town hall events came from a military insider who has been to Iraq and was a part of the testing of the LRAD in San Diego.
“Let me be real clear, this weapon can cause serious injury to the inner ear or result in death if utilized improperly within 30-feet. Furthermore, the LRAD requires explicit training so not to accidentally deploy the weapon which causes hearing loss as well as death,” the DOD source said.
“Also, a Sheriff deputy picture taken at one event showed the deputy who was operating the equipment wearing a uniform shirt of the Search and Rescue unit, indicating he may have been a non-paid volunteer, not a trained deputy,” according to a source.
To make matters worse, this source confirms Sheriff Gore was given a demonstration of the LRAD by the manufacturer, American Technology Corporation at an Emerging Technology conference and “Gore knew this device could be deadly.”
This directly disputes the point that Sheriff Gore made when he said, “This is a non-lethal type of device.”
Gore goes on to say that “it (LRAD) was the best choice of options for preventative measures.”
Another 27-year veteran of law enforcement disagrees and question’s Gore’s decision to buy the LRAD device.
“Somehow this device made its way into law enforcement. I was there when the $40,000 sale took place. It’s not an effective tool because it uses a very pointed-piercing noise that you could hear, but the guy next to you would not,” retired Sheriff Deputy Jim Duffy said. “I question why it (LRAD) would be at that event at all.”
The LRAD uses a concentrated sound wave or beam that causes a lot of ear pain, bleeding or death when pointed at a direct source. According to the manufacturer’s website “the directionality of the LRAD device reduces the risk of exposing nearby personnel or peripheral bystanders to harmful audio levels.” So why use this equipment for crowd control?
Looking to Gore’s past history with the FBI Ruby Ridge incident and 9/11 Commission report, LaSuer questions the current Sheriff’s decision making. “Gore deployed a weapon that we use against terrorists on American citizens- shame on him.”
When pressed about the need to use such a lethal device at public town halls Gore states, “It was placed there for reserve and that’s all I can say.”
Another lifetime law enforcement deputy, Bruce Ruff says, “The potential use of lethality is pure incompetence by Sheriff Gore.”
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner
Not exactly a shoot out at the okay coral, but close
On Saturday Rick Amato’s talk show sponsored and moderated the San Diego’s Sheriff Debate – issues were vetted, passions flared and in the end the four candidates were heard. Those running for San Diego’s top lawman spot included, Jim Duffy, incumbent Bill Gore, Jay LaSuer and Bruce Ruff.
The back drop consisted of American flags, anti-health care signs and 300 patriotic citizens clamoring to find out what each candidate had to say regarding law enforcement.
“That was the best debate I’ve seen in 20 years,” said John Minto of Santee. “It got real lively.”
With a goal of making San Diego the safest county in the U.S., incumbent Gore had applause and skeptics because he is the sitting Sheriff, while LaSuer told the audience they were interviewing four people for the most important job in San Diego.
Right off the bat, a question was posed regarding each man’s background and whether they had been reprimanded or the center of controversy. All replied no, however Gore has been at the center attention on two national issues – Ruby Ridge, Idaho and the 9/11 Commission report. Both these events resulted in loss of civilian life.
California is set to either release or pay other states to house criminals in jail. Overcrowding is a problem and taxpayers are concerned about a glut of inmates that will be released in the next few months.
LaSuer suggested operating a tent city similar to what Sheriff Joe Arpaio has done in Arizona, who coincidently has endorsed LaSuer’s candidacy. Ruff had a different approach. “The elected officials have decided to let the people we worked to put away and then let the out early, that’s wrong.”
Eventually the talk steered to illegal immigration and if San Diego would be a sanctuary city. “I took an oath to uphold the law of the Constitution- we need to enforce all the laws,” Duffy said. He looked to the federal government’s 287g rule and insisted San Diego needed to take advantage of that tool in order to close the illegal immigration problem the county faces.
Ruff disagreed a bit and said this was a federal government issue and they needed to get it right. Gore agreed and stated his administration has been relying on the federal government to do their job.
“We are not a sanctuary city, we’ve used $23 million in federal tax dollars to address these crimes in the past two years,” Gore said. However Ruff shot back. “Who the hell do you think pays the taxes? It’s your money whether you get it from the state or the federal government it’s your tax money.”
Not one to stay on the sidelines for long LaSuer implied that the panelist had way too much caffeine. “Look, when you pick and choose which laws you are going to enforce, you’ve lost your moral compass,” he calmly said. “We are a sanctuary city, period.”
The debate steered to the 9/11 terrorist attack, again the candidates were very passionate.
Gore starting things off by explaining San Diego employs a Liaison Officer to work on both a local and national level. “I’m very proud of what we do in San Diego County on all levels.”
Ruff saw things differently. “I’ll tell you straight up…We missed the 9/11 terrorists that flew into the Pentagon, we had an informant in the house and we missed them,” he said. “We are in trouble and someone at this table is responsible for that.”
Responding to the accusation, Gore explained his FBI department was only notified one month in advance and points to the report stating that this was a missed opportunity.
Using the 9/11 Commission report as a guide LaSuer said, “We failed. We could fill this place up with excuses. When the Exxon Valdez ran a ground the captian said he fell asleep. I’m sorry captain you’re in charge.”
“Gore it happened on your watch. It may have been a mistake I don’t know. It could have been arrogance. But it occurred and thousands of people died who were Americans, it may have been a mistake,” LaSuer explains.
“But there was a LRAD (military arsenal used to target terrorists) out at the town halls, that was a mistake and those were American people. You had a weapon pointed at those people and they didn’t even know it and that was another poor choice.”
As the sun drew nearer to the Pacific Ocean, the temperatures began to drop in El Cajon. The last shootout would take the candidate’s to the concealed weapons law in California.
“Do you support a concealed weapon permit or not?”
Ruff, yes. Duffy, yes. Gore explained it wasn’t that easy. “California has laws the Sheriff must comply with and this is a shall not issue state.” The crowd booed. “It’s a shall not state unless there is cause.”
A debate ensued.
LaSuer claimed it’s up to the Sheriff to determine what is good cause and ‘yes’ self protection is a good cause,” the crowd erupted with applause.
Duffy, who was grinning, took it one step further. “Gore you got it wrong, penal code 12025 states a Sheriff MAY issue a permit.”
The entire debate can be heard on via pod cast on amatotalk.com
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner
San Diego Sheriff deployed military crowd control device at Congressional town halls
The increasing frustration with politicians and overflow crowds attending August town halls led San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore to place military-type crowd control devices at two area town hall meetings.
Rep. Susan Davis-D Calif. and Rep. Darrell Issa-R Calif. held town halls that exceeded capacity (10,000+ total attendees) and prompted the Sheriff’s Department to have Long-Range Acoustic Devices(LRADs) standing ready.
Both town halls took place without incident; however the use of the military device concerned San Diegians. The LRAD crowd control is primarily used in Iraq to control insurgents and can cause serious and lasting harm to humans.
According to the manufacture, American Technology Corporation, the LRAD provides “military personnel the capability to transition through the rules of engagement to determine a target’s intent and also provides greater assurance that innocent lives on both sides of the device are not lost due to miscommunication.”
That being said why would local law enforcement feel the need to have such drastic measures on standby? Did the Sheriff Department have reason to believe a catastrophe was in the making?
In an interview with East County Magazine, Sheriff Gore answered a couple of questions. When asked about the use of sonic cannons directing a deterrent sound and the fact they are used in Iraq, Sheriff Gore replied; “That’s a precaution in case you need it.”
Gore also stipulated that his deputies had all the training required to use the LRADs.
The possible use of military arsenal against American citizens drew fire from both sides of the political fray. It was Liberty One Radio, a San Diego-based station that led to the uncovering of the LRAD use.
A spokesman from Congressman Issa’s office had no comment on the LRADs being placed at the town hall in Vista, CA. where Issa spoke.
Also, behind the scenes Americans are skeptical that Sheriff Gore should be using anything of this magnitude in light of his connection to the Ruby Ridge, Idaho incident.
Gore was part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation team and was believed to have issued the order to kill on sight – any member of the family who showed themselves, according to a source close to the case. This mishandling and loss of life resulted in Gore leaving the FBI. Two civilians were killed, an unarmed woman holding a baby as well as a minor child.
The debacle cost the American taxpayer $3.1 million dollars when a wrongful death suit was brought against the federal government. In August of 1995 the government paid the Weaver family of Ruby Ridge an out-of-court settlement.
To read the complete East County Magazine story; http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/
For more stories; http://www.examiner.com/x-10317-San-Diego-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner
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