Pubdate: Tue, 31 Oct 2000
Source: Alameda Times-Star (CA)
Copyright: 2000 MediaNews Group, Inc. and ANG Newspapers
Contact:  66 Jack London Sq. Oakland, CA 94607
Website: http://www.newschoice.com/newspapers/alameda/times/
Author: Frank J. De Smidt
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1579/a01.html

NOT RISKING CAR

I WON'T be visiting Oakland any time soon, due to your outrageous car 
seizure law. That the state Supreme Court turned away the ACLU challenge 
doesn't make this excess in law enforcement justifiable. I recognize the 
need to enforce the laws against drug dealing and prostitution. However, 
Oakland has gone too far.

The city and county of San Francisco had the vision to reject Oakland's 
ill-advised solution. Still, other cities may follow Oakland anyway for the 
revenue.

I could conceivably be driving in your city and stop to ask for directions. 
An unscrupulous or rookie police officer could simply consider me 
suspicious and seize my car. I find this most troubling and outrageous.

Your ordinance should have limits to protect innocent drivers and car 
owners as specified in California state law and federal law.

Will you make the effort to amend the unfairness out of your ordinance? 
Otherwise, I'll be staying far away from Oakland. I'll go to the ball games 
at Pac Bell Park and not put my car at risk.

Frank J. De Smidt, Milpitas
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D