Los Angeles – A Privileged City
Today I read that Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck will implement a new law, going into effect in 3 weeks. Despite great opposition and questionable legal issues, the new policy will allow unlicensed drivers to avoid a 30 day impound of their cars. Some groups have said this new policy rewards illegal immigrants. The Chief says untrue. He also states that the mandatory 30 day impound is UNFAIR to illegal immigrants. A motorist who is pulled over by an LAPD officer for a driving violation must have a valid “identification card”, employment or military ID or matricula consular , an official identity card issued by the Mexican government, which it wanted to be officially recognized within the United States. The motorist must not have caused an accident, have no prior misdemeanors AND have proof of insurance. NOW, how do you get a drivers license WITHOUT insurance? “Statewide, the largest insurance companies are NOT insuring unlicensed drivers” said Pete Moraga, spokesman for the Network Insurance Information Network of California. He also said “The law is very specific in California. You have to have a driver’s license and you have to be insured. Having the license is paramount. It shows you understand the laws of driving”. LAPD impounded 30,000 cars last year at a rate of $1400.00 per car for the 30 day impound. Now, under the new policy the cost will be $268.55 which includes towing charges for the 30 days. Keep in mind that Los Angeles is in ANOTHER financial crisis with threat of layoffs, again. One would think that the $1400. per impound would be of a greater advantage than the $268.55. Huge difference of $1131.45. For a city facing another possible layoff this policy change would have one consider this as a crucial issue. I would suggest that the groups opposing this because of preferential treatment and special consideration given to illegal immigrants are very close to the truth. It appears that Los Angeles is called a sanctuary city for a reason…….