READERS RESPOND

AT ISSUE: Will you boycott Costa Mesa businesses that do not post signs opposing the city’s immigration plan?With the the article “Store owners wary of boycott” (Feb. 7), the paper asked if people are going to support the boycott.

I am of the exact opposite idea: I am going to boycott people who post the signs. They are encouraging illegal activities by supporting those who flout our laws and come here illegally and commit more crime. In addition, the new rules would not affect most people, unless they have been arrested. The new ordinances are not telling the police to go out and check everyone’s immigration status, just those who have been arrested.

Why should we have to pay for the care of a criminal who is in this country illegally? Why not deport those criminals to the countries where they belong?

JOHN WHITEMAN

Costa Mesa

As a son of a legal immigrant, I will boycott Costa Mesa businesses that do post signs opposing the city’s plan!

XAVIER LIMON

Costa Mesa

My understanding is that Costa Mesa police may begin checking the immigration status of people who are arrested for other crimes. Nativo Lopez is suggesting a possible boycott of my business and others in Costa Mesa if we do not agree to display a window sign disagreeing with this plan.

The Costa Mesa Police Department is certainly within its rights to check the background of that person.

Lopez should know this is not an issue between him and Costa Mesa business owners.

In the story in the Feb. 7 Daily Pilot, a delayed planned protest of South Coast Plaza is mentioned. I do not know the Segerstrom family, but have read about millions of dollars they have donated to various charities. Lopez may want to thank them for their community support instead of threatening them with his “delayed planned event.”

If Lopez has anything I need to know, he can contact me and I will be happy to listen. I disagree with him -- I will not post a sign in my window, but I will certainly listen to his point of view.

SCOT CURRY

Newport Beach

The proposed boycott of Costa Mesa businesses is a joke. The immigrant-rights groups that are supporting the boycott do not represent the majority of Costa Mesa residents. Most Costa Mesa residents are fed up with illegal immigration. The fact is that illegal immigration is overburdening emergency rooms and local schools. Something has to be done, and the city’s policy is a nice start.

If I were to see a sign on a Costa Mesa business opposing the new immigration proposal, I would simply walk out and myself and my family would take our business elsewhere.

RICK RODGERS

Costa Mesa

I will boycott businesses that do carry signs opposing the city’s immigration plan. The immigration laws are designed to protect our country.

Every police force in America should be made to enforce the federal laws on immigration. I applaud the patriotic stand Costa Mesa has taken on this issue. It’s too bad we don’t have that kind of patriotism on the Newport Beach City Council.

BILL COOL

Corona Del Mar

We will boycott Costa Mesa businesses that oppose the city’s immigration plan. Any business that displays or supports a boycott will never ever see any money from this family and contacts we have. Ever!

In other words: Enforce the laws of the land.

What is so hard to understand? Laws are applicable for everyone. The fact that someone is here illegally is the first violation.

ANGELINA IBBOTSON

Huntington Beach

The truth is that I will boycott businesses that do post these signs. Businesses are not the forum for political battles and do not need to give in to such tactics.

JEFF WILCOX

Costa Mesa

So Nativo Lopez and the Citizens for Constitutional Rights plan to boycott Costa Mesa businesses that don’t display signs expressing their displeasure with the City Council majority’s decision to check the immigration status of people arrested for other crimes.

Some Costa Mesa residents are in favor of this plan. Some are vehemently opposed. A fair number in the middle are yet to be convinced one way or the other. It’s an issue for us as a community to work through together. And together we will, preferably without the interference of self-appointed, out-of-town activists like Lopez.

I don’t know about other folk, but I don’t respond well to threats, insults, coercion and outright extortion. That’s why I intend to boycott any Costa Mesa business that displays a sign either for or again the council’s decision, starting with El Chinaco. I invite my fellow residents to do the same.

CHUCK CASSITY

Costa Mesa

An economic boycott works both ways. I will not patronize a business that displays signs taking a position opposing the city’s policy regarding illegal immigrants. The policy has nothing to do with commerce. The demonstrations by meddling agitators to a routine police procedure, as well as divisive tactics, attempt to pit us against one another.

DENNIS BARTON

Costa Mesa

I do not believe in extortion, and I will not go into any business sign that has a sign in its window. up there. That is stupid.

JANICE GAMMILL

Costa Mesa

I have no intention of boycotting any businesses in Costa Mesa.

ANITA TRAVERS

Corona del Mar

I will not boycott businesses that do not post signs opposing the city’s immigration plan. In fact, I plan to boycott businesses that do post the sign.

FRED BOCKMILLER

Costa Mesa20060215isju9cncKENT TREPTOW / DAILY PILOT(LA)Penny Magnotto, right, and Robin Hvidston demonstrate outside Costa Mesa City Hall on Jan. 3. They were rallying in favor of the City Council majority’s decision to train local police to enforce immigration laws.