Let’s Check Out The Day Laborers!
By Greg L | 7 January 2008 | Illegal Aliens, Prince William County | 117 Comments
image: day laborers loitering near a 7-11 on Coverstone Drive in Manassas (Prince William County) during the morning on January 7th, 2008
After hearing some reports that day laborer sites were recently booming, I decided to go out and see for myself what was going on at a local 7-11 that has been notorious for this sort of activity. To say this was an interesting morning is quite an understatement.
I pulled up a little after 9 AM and found over thirty day laborers who immediately started asking me if I would hire them. This is just the gaggle that didn’t get hired today! Instead of responding, I pulled out a camera and started taking some shots of this bizarre scene. One of the nice folks there started peppering me with questions about why I was talking pictures, and I responded that I would take these pictures to the Prince William Board of County Supervisors to show them the extent of this problem and ask them to do something about this. After taking the photos, the manager came out and ran the day laborers off his property, and they moved to the adjacent vacant lot as seen in the photo above.
I had a nice chat with the manager and a district manager who was there about this problem, and they told me how their business had suffered because of these day laborers, that female patrons would never stop at the store, and that they’d lost just about all of their regular customers. Business is significantly down at this 7-11, and the day laborers have not at all replaced the lost revenue. In addition to scaring away their customers, the day laborers create a mess with their litter and frequently relieve themselves outside, especially after the morning rush for workers ends, and the remaining day laborers buy beer and then get drunk. The managers told me that the Police Department was completely unresponsive to their requests for assistance, and left them to deal with this problem on their own.
I ran some errands, and on the way home, I was pulled over by Officer Sanchez of the Prince William County Police Department who read me the riot act and told me that the police had gotten a complaint. According to Officer Sanchez, I had screamed racial epithets at the day laborers, said I was counting them to see how many buses it would take to ship them all back to Mexico, and “racially profiled” them. All of this was on a recording somehow that I wasn’t allowed to hear. Although he wasn’t at all interested in my account of what happened (in police circles I am told this is a practice referred to as “collecting evidence” or “questioning a suspect”, which is something they apparently do from time to time), he explained that he had twenty five witnesses that would testify to this. For some reason, and despite this apparently overwhelming body of evidence that an offense had been committed, I was not given a summons or taken into custody. He told me I shouldn’t ever return there because it would put me at great risk for being assaulted or killed. That’s right — he didn’t say there would be anything done about those who might pose a threat to the life of a law-abiding citizen, his advice was for me to not be in the vicinity of a problem that the Police Department was studiously ignoring. I guess this mindset is what may have emboldened the SUR-13 gang to start spray-painting their tags all over the public schools in my neighborhood.
It was one of the worst displays of professional incompetence I have ever witnessed.
My wife was out at the same time, and told me that the police apparently were swinging by this 7-11 to keep an eye on things, and she observed a day laborer running across the street to get away from a police car who almost got hit by another vehicle. I’m certain this was a person whose immigration status was beyond reproach, and wasn’t actually running away from the police, but late for a meeting with his investment adviser across the street at the RaceWay gas station.
Although the day laborers will certainly return to this location, they probably understand that they’re on the radar now, and folks aren’t too pleased with the trouble they’re causing. These citizens might also be interested in asking their elected officials to do something about this. Maybe even the PWCPD understands that the public isn’t going to endlessly tolerate this outrage, and they may decide to finally lend some assistance to this beleaguered business owner and actually help him restore order. We’ll see.
Next time I guess I’m going to have to bring a video camera, not to document the day laborers, but to ensure that there is an accurate record of what transpires when the behavior of day laborers, who one would surmise have been coached on how to respond when someone shows up to document what happens by Mexicans Without Borders, are documented trying to secure unlawful employment by one of those pesky people, called citizens. Maybe Officer Sanchez can be encouraged to collect evidence.
If the risk to my person is as great as Officer Sanchez alleges, perhaps I should take his perspective into consideration and make sure that the next time I will lawfully be carrying an appropriate defensive firearm, just in case the day laborers are just as dangerous as he suggests. He really made it seem that if I showed up there again, I’d certainly get killed.
UPDATE: Caption altered to make it clear that this 7-11 is in Prince William County, and not within the City of Manassas. Some commenters thought that was a crucial, and missing distinction.
UPDATE 2: “Snapped Shot” has some interesting commentary on this. Also be sure to check out how one woman taking pictures was assaulted by day laborers, and then abused by the police she called to report this crime.
The opinions expressed here are solely the views of the author, and not representative of the position of any organization, political party, doughnut shop, knitting guild, or waste recycling facility, but may be correctly attributed to the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy. If anything in the above article has offended you, please click here to receive an immediate apology.
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I personally do not like Officer Sanchez. I am NOT suprisesd by his behavior. ( personal opinion ONLY)
redawn,
Ditto!
I should’ve known. He’s the one that came the day the two junkies were behind Mama Mia’s shooting each other up.
Don’t we live in a great country….not…where ILLEGAL aliens can call the police and get U.S. Citizens harassed.
Pretty damn neat, that the Library is right there but you have been warned that you maybe be killed….I wouldn’t put up with it. I woud have called for another officer rith then and there.
Officer Sanchez is obviously a racist. If a white officer displayed the same behavior, he/she would be suspended and fired. Greg, I hope you have spoken to your elected representative and filed a written, formal complaint against this disgrace to law enforcement. His threats (yes, he did threaten you for his latino friends) and bigotry should not be tolerated by you or anyone else in PWC. If he worked for my agency, he’d be cooling his heels in the Director’s office as we speak. By all means, carry a video camera with you at all times and use it! You are now targeted.
*right then
Since the big hub-bub a few years ago regarding PWC PD arresting day laborers at a 7-11 on Rt. 1, I am sure that these day laborers have been coached to contact the police and say these things, if someone shows up and photgraphs them, or a Police Officer has any interaction with them. They probably assumed that you were PD, thus the “racial profiling” comment.
My question to “Officer” Sanchez would have gone something like this:
“Officer, as a private citizen, if I had done those things, which I categorically DID Not, but if I had, what law if any would I have broken? How can I, being a private citizen, “racially profile” anyone?”
Greg,
Next trip I will be glad to follow you as a witness. Just say the word. I have plenty of free time, digital cameras and a couple cell phone.
Lafayette,
Do you still have the pictures of that incident @ Mama Mia’s?
Anyone that drives by there will tell you that they see public drinking, etc….yes-get out the video cameras.
Unbelievable!!! Greg, you definitely better take a videocam with you everywhere. The officer certainly used all the right buzzwords in his description of your actions. Please follow up through the chain of command.
You know, I could not for the life of me understand why the Police Association would endorse Rischell during the BOCS election. Why
wouldn’t they want to reduce the crime in this area, regardless of
the severity of the crime? From loitering to murder, it would seem
to benefit the PD if these anti-illegal laws were enforced. Start with the
small crimes, like Gulianni did in New York. It really worked there.
I really don’t like the whole situation you were put in, Greg. From the
questions from the day laborers to the threats from a police officer.
This is the kind of stuff that needs to be on the front page of the MJM -
but I have written that paper off as being run by Mexicans WO Borders.
What can we do to get our 7/11’s back? I want these loitering laws
enforced! At last I have heard from a 7/11 manager that these loiterers
DO NOT replace the money lost by regular customers refusing to
patronize their businesses that are being held hostage by these
day laborers.
This 7/11 needs help. Maybe we can start with this one, and
move to others as they get cleaned up. Would this even be possible?
I’m tired of seeing these guys standing around ready to take a legal
citizens job. I’m also tired of seeing the barren landscape of these
poor 7/11’s that have been trodden down to dirt and mud. So
unappealing for ANY business.
This brazen act on Greg is really scary. It could have been anyone
taking pictures and getting harassed.
Would an email to Charlie Dean from concerned CITIZENS (to be sure to differentiate us from the “witnesses”) be any help here?
That wouldn’t hurt, but there are two even better alternatives:
1. Attend the meeting of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors tomorrow at 2:00PM and speak your mind about this. (I have a report from a woman in Woodbridge coming in now that REALLY will make your hair stand on end!)
2. Grab your camera and photograph your favorite day laborer hangout tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. Until this problem gets addressed, we should document this as vigorously as possible.
By the way, its not that the PD won’t do anything about the day laborers hanging around the 7/11’s at Coverstone or Longview and Rt. 1, its the corporate attorneys for 7/11’s that has informed the department of their wish “not to prosecute” for trespassing on their property. Regardless of the store manager’s wishes, he or she does not own the store or the property so they cannot prosecute for trespassing. It has to come from corporate 7/11 and they have informed the PWCPD they are NOT interested in doing it. So in essence, the PD have their hands tied and cannot move the day laborers. If corporate 7/11 changed their stance, one phone call from the store would move those laborers away or they’d be arrested.
His line of (bs) questioning and statments(false) that he has 25 witness and recordings of all of this…..makes me think, what is the difference with the way you were treated (harrassed) and making a false police report? If you didn’t do any of that, which I BELIEVE you, I would have demanded another police office come out. This is OUTRAGEOUS!
Greg, disgusting!
Let’s just assume that Officer Sanchez is responding to a complaint at the 7-11. Did he question the manager to corroborate the story before tracking you down? This situation should be investigated. Greg, report this incident. The next time there will be a criminal act against a law-abiding citizen perpetrated by an illegal alien and the police will turn the other way.
Greg,
You need a map - this 7-11 is in PWC and not
Manassas. (After years of e-mails, the newspapers
at least now state an event was “near Manassas” -
hopefully, you will start doing the same thing —
it helps to get the basic facts right). Por favor.
Are the cops required to write up a ‘contact’ report when they come in contact with a citizen? Such as Senor Sanchez contacting Greg?
I did the same exact exercise as Greg today…I went to two local 7-11’s and took pictures. This was at approximately noon when I went. The first 7-11 I went to (across from Marumsco Plaza) only had about 10 laborers hanging around and when they saw me taking pictures, they simply turned their backs to me. That’s fine, I still got the pictures. However, at the second 7-11 (Longview and Jefferson Davis Highway) I received a totally different reception. There were at least 30 laborers strewn out all over the 7-11 lot. When the bigger group of people saw me, they began approaching my car and saying stuff to me (although I could not understand them). Thank goodness that I had the good sense to immediately lock my doors and roll up my windows because next thing I knew, they were trying to get into my car! When that didn’t work, they began rocking my car. Then, one man walked right up to my window, unzipped his pants and exposed himself to me. That’s when I realized I needed to get out of there. I drove across the street and called the police. The laborers could still see me and were still yelling at me. When the police arrived, one went across the street to the day laborers and the other two stayed with me. One officer asked me why I was taking pictures and I told him I was doing it for Help Save Manassas. He rolled his eyes and left. The other officer, Office Khan stayed and looked at my pictures which showed the laborers right up at my car. After explaining what had happened, Officer Khan told me not to to go back to 7-11, not to take any pictures because I had aggravated THEM! I got very upset and told her that these were illegals (one crime), who were loitering (crime two), who exposed themself to me (crime three) and attacked my car (crime four). She was very rude and told me that there was nothing they could do because this happened on private property (the 7-11) and the 7-11 has no problem with them being there! In the end, I’m barred from 7-11 and no arrests were made…
Why are we surprised with all the latino names that are employees of the county handling latino problems (from zoning to the PD)? - sorry if it sounds racist, but it’s a fact that they are on the payroll and letting these behaviors go on. It appears to be the way things are done south of the border (corruption) and is simply continuing here.
Aren’t they standing on a public right of way, not a “vacant lot”?
I agree with D. Core - Report Sanchez and the incident!
Obviously the powers that be at the police department involved here feel that dealing with this issue is more trouble than it’s worth.
There’s a term for that. It’s called “depolicing”.
Big Dog,
It is the 7-11 on Coverstone Dr. It IS Manassas.
OMG I am just sick……
Greg,
This is the 7-11 I spoke to Lafayette about just last week. The numbers have grown. I go through around 8am and there are at least that many out there.
I am concerned with your safety just like Lafayette’s. I agree a video camera is the way to go. If nothing else, run it on the floor so you can have voices of the people. Use the digital camera for pictures.
I am saddened to hear that the lawyers for 7-11 are not going to do anything. This boils down to the PC crap I have blogged about. They are afraid of the PC police and the profiling law suits. BS, stand up and face them. They do not have a leg to stand on. As long as we are complacent about this, the longer it will go on.
I wonder how he came to know this information. I may have asked to speak to a supervisor and request that I be brought to the station so these allegations could be verified. You were harassed!!! As long as there is this abuse of power, we can not expect them to enforce any immigration laws. You didn’t say where he stopped you at. Was it near your home or during your errands? Were you tracked down is what I want to know. If so, then you should have been arrested for the statements that were provided to the PWCPD. I do not think you will be killed, that would bring out too much attention against the ILLEGALS that happen to use that place to be picked up.
[Ed note: I was pulled over three houses away from my home.]
Maybe these officers are so full of attitude because corporate 7/11′ won’t
let them do their jobs….I can’t imagine any other reason…..
Could that be why they tell us to “not go back to 7/11″? A way
of “stickin’ it” to 7/11?
If Magic’s account is to be believed (and I’m not suggesting otherwise)—exposing one’s self on private property is no longer a crime. I reckon that would go so far as to include shopping malls, stores, movie theatres, homes, etc.
I reckon our local industry of defence lawyers will be QUITE happy to learn of this new tactic. Wonder how long it will be before it’s actually tested in court?
What a sad state of affairs we’re in, if our local police can’t be bothered to actually enforce laws that are already on the books…
Regards,
Brian
Taking photos is now being used blame the victims for illegal aliens’ actions. What’s next?
Should be…used TO blame
‘My question to “Officer” Sanchez would have gone something like this:
“Officer, as a private citizen, if I had done those things, which I categorically DID Not, but if I had, what law if any would I have broken? How can I, being a private citizen, “racially profile” anyone?” ‘
You’d probably need someone to bail you out on the “obstructing justice” charge after that.
Big Dog,
Semantics!! Sheesh. It doesn’t matter if it is Manassas proper or PWC, the problem is still the same. I think if people are going to go to these places, they have to bring some sort of recording device and play it during their citizen time. Let the record reflect the fact that law enforcement is minimizing the problem. If nothing else, it will be available for the trial of the person that kills one of us. Of course, I am being factious.
As far as the officer rolling their eyes, that right there should tell us that they have no intention of enforcing the law. It is a bother for them.
Like madmom said, starting with the small crimes will help fix the larger ones. NOTE: I didn’t say it would solve them, just HELP fix them.
WHERE IS THE MJM????
k. o’toole-
Here it is, down and dirty. It has been my experience that latinos/hispanics are racists. They are racists in the sense that they place their skin color/culture above their nationality. That is racism, pure and simple. They would rather protect their own than perform the duties that they are SWORN to do. They do not see this as corruption, but as looking out for their own-”La Raza”- race. I do not frequent 7-11’s for any reason. Perhaps a boycott? 7-11 understands numbers, if nothing else. It’s time that we as a nation stopped catering to groups who want special privileges because they whine about disparities. Want a better life? Obey our laws and earn one!
P.S. I would LOVE to have one of them expose himself to me. He would go home without that particular body part.
madmom,
They wouldn’t report this. This isn’t news to them. They are ILLEGAL alien apologists. This is why I stopped my subscription and do not read the paper anymore.
Johnson - I wholeheartedly agree with everything you posted. Do we have a definite 7-11 corporate position to tolerate loitering? Let’s start a nationwide boycott ala American Family Association.
Now, where did I put that machete?
Johnson,
Are you saying he would no longer have his “johnson”? Sorry, couldn’t resist. (c; I hope this isn’t the 50,000th post!!!
I do feel sorry for the owners of that 7-11. They have their hands tied with this. They can’t press charges and the ILLEGALS know this. Again, the blatant thumbing of their noses to the law. That is really what gets most of us. Maybe I should go expose myself and see what type of trouble I get into. No worries, I will not be doing that, I wouldn’t want to cause a riot of people wanting to see. (tongue in cheek of course!!!!)
unbeleiveable that these unemployed illegal aliens keep hanging around Manassas. You would think they would at some point, run out of money and decide to go back home.
You are just like the illegal aliens if you don’t think
jurisdictions and borders mean something. Greg’s
caption clearly states the 7-11 is in Manassas –
it isn’t — it is in PWC and the policeman mentioned
is a PWC officer. Everyone is entitled to their opinion,
but not their own set of facts. Prince William County
and the City of Manassas are separate jurisdictions -
that is a fact.
redawn,
Here’s the picture from KMart shopping center.
http://community.webshots.com/album/561319433CfhWLl?start=24
Here’s some pictures from the 7-11 on Rt1 at the PKWY
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/561176744SAXMFv?start=0
Borders are “semantics - sheesh - they don’t matter”
Gracias mi amigo!
Big Dog,
I know you may not like but guess what we over in the county do have MANASSAS addresses, and some of them even have 20110 zip codes. Manassas is it’s own city, and Manassas is also in the county. “Near Manassas” geesh that sounds straight out of the MJM. I do know the difference between the city and the county along with many others. No newbie here, my mother is a 1955 graduate of Osbourn High.
Does it really bother you that we are also MANASSAS in PWC?
Big Dog,
Ditto.( Lafayette) I live in PWC ( the county) My address is
blank, blank Manassas, Va 20110
Greg has a thread open on an incident at the 7-11 at Rt 1 and the PWKY. This is unbelievable.
50,001-ouch! Believe it or not, I cursed my first born with my name. What goes around…
Here is a link with information on how to file a complaint against a Prince William police officer:
http://www.pwcgov.org/default.aspx?topic=040036000130000685
Know many in PWC like the Manassas mailing address
because of the added prestige (Great Falls has the same
issue), but if you vote in the county, you live in
the county - not the City of Manassas. Sorry, but you
are always welcome to come visit.
Of course, the spanish language in the complaint form almost drowns out the English. You almost have to squint to see the English. Silly question, but why do these need to be in spanish in the first place? Oh, never mind, the same reason I have to choose to talk to the PWCSA in English.
Big Dog, you certainly have a talent for identifying the crux of an issue!
Amor de Rey!
Southland Corp has had years to do something about the day worker invasion. They have not done anything. Women cannot go into a 7-11 without extreme sexual harrassment.
I don’t know who American Family Association is or why they think Southland is going to cower to them. I would write as an individual and express outrage.
Big Dog,
I have NO problem with you. I was just correcting you about the location of the 7-11 that it is Manassas.
I don’t understand your point. There is nothing in my eyes that would be considered prestigeous about Manassas….. just the place I live.
Drop a couple FOIA on PWC PD requesting Radio Messages, EMails, MDC traffic and any and all paperwork generated on Greg L or other woman complaint. Obviously if your going to continue to document, I would highly recommend lawfully carried handgun and voice recorder to tape Police interaction.
This story needs national attention.
Redawn -
The point is that facts, including borders and the
proper identification of locations, are important unless
one is ignorant and/or lazy. The caption at the top
of Greg’s posting states the 7/11 is in Manassas and
then the comments are about a PWC officer - it makes
no sense.
Of course, the germane issue is loitering
at various spots in the entire area, including the Cities,
and what to do about it, but that is no reason to be
sloppy.
Suggest you county folks convene a conference
of Mayors from Dale City, Circuit City, Nokesville,
Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Hog Wallow Estates, Gainesville,
etc. and decide what to call yourselves — apparenty
Prince William County doesn’t cut it. Let Manassas
be Manassas.
I agree with Big Dog. Everyone has been on the case of the people who erected the sign in the City of Manssas complaining about the County’s resolution and them not knowing which jurisdiction they are in. Just because parts of PWC have a Manassas mailing address doesn’t make it Manassas. I have said this plenty of times, this site needs to be accurate to be taken serious. I am glad to see Greg make the correction. When Greg writes Manassas most people assume the City. Maybe the people who assume are wrong, but that is a fact of life. I am to see if Greg make the correction.
Si, si — no borders — “Prince William County
Without Borders!” Mucho gracias!
If the cop involved is employed by Prince William County
WHERE IS GREG’S BELOVED COREY STEWART ????????
Does he have anything to say about the Police department?
Nothing much has been mentioned about Corey since the election. Guess he’s still on the job.
It’s PWC. I live nearby and drive past every morning. Every morning since early 2006 they are there. Sometimes on the 7-11 lot, mostly off to the side of it.
Another thing to do is to note who stops and hires them, and (with or without pictures) report them to www.wehirealiens.com or right here. I’ve seen Palmer Property Maintenance there, I’ve seen Oasis Landscaping, I’ve seen a host of contractors.
Here’s hoping Greg pursues this - Officer Sanchez needs to be held accountable, as does Charlie Deane and everyone in between.
Greg,
Thanks for correcting the caption to make it
clearer where the picture was taken.
Big Dog,
I am in agreement about naming the proper locations. I didn’t catch ( the now corrected mistake)
I am just saying it is considered Manassas not the City of Manassas.
There IS a Manassas and City of Manassas. Just like Fairfax and the City of Fairfax. ( my head spinning, LOL) Sudley, Westage, Irongate, Coverstone, Highland Village, Stonewall Acres, Sunnygate too name a FEW are all neighborhoods that are in Manassas and located in the County. I may still be missing the point but I am taking what you say as if I lived in Gainesville and have a Gainesville address I should not say Gainesville but PWC?
http://www.nps.gov/mana
Battle of Manassas ( not Battle of The City of Manassas) located not even a mile down the road. I am not being a smart ass, I am just laughing as I want to know if I am wrong ( since the 70’s, lol but I am serious!)
If you will notice the various 7/11’s in Manassas proper, that is the City of Manassas, don’t have these problems. That is because the City PD will run these people off. All of that BS about 7/11 corporate is just that, BS. It is the PWC PD who are afraid of another round of protests like the one they encountered several years ago, when they arrested a bunch of day laborers for loitering. That’s when Woodbridge Workers and Mexicans Without Borders hit the scene.
Keep taking those pictures. Make sure you are standing on public property when doing so. Take them from your car, and keep the car in gear. If approached, drive away.
Pedro,
IF you are going to quote someone, get all of the quote not just the part that suits you:
Semantics!! Sheesh. It doesn’t matter if it is Manassas proper or PWC, the problem is still the same.
________________________
Big Dog/Bayberry resident,
My address is Manassas, VA 20109. Yes I live “in the county”, but my address is Manassas. Does living in the County degrade the City of Manassas some way if we claim to live in Manassas? Are you folks within the city limits better than those of us in the County?
________________________
If several people continue to call the PWC PD daily about the loiterers at area 7-11s, what will that do to the department’s statistics if the statistics are broken down by ethnicity? It’ll make it look as though the department is targeting Hispanics, intentionally or not. Be careful of what you ask for because the County PD’s activities will be under a microscope because of the resolution. There’s a fine line between effectiveness and overkill whether at Citizens Time or in making complaints with the PD.
# Krusty said on 7 Jan 2008 at 4:11 pm:
If the cop involved is employed by Prince William County
WHERE IS GREG’S BELOVED COREY STEWART ????????
Does he have anything to say about the Police department?
Nothing much has been mentioned about Corey since the election. Guess he’s still on the job.
This is the key post here. Where is the BOCS now that the election is over? It sure is mighty quiet on that end of town now…
redawn said on 7 Jan 2008 at 4:57 pm:
You were NOT being a smart a$$, but this can’t be said for all.
Medic64,
They are no better and no worse than us over than in the City of Manassas.
Big Dog,
Excuse me the last time I looked the City of Manassas was sitting smack dab in the middle of PWC. The city still uses the county’s courthouse and jail. The City is not completely self reliant. Wow, I really must say I am quite surprised at your annoyance of us “county folk” having a Manassas address.
Big Dog,
Are you aware that there are 3 places that have Manassas in the name?
Manassas - in Prince William County
City of Manassas
Manassas Park
To say that something is in Manassas and PWC cops responded is entirely correct.
You are aware that places like Sudley Manor Drive are in Manassas, but they are not in the City of Manassas. These are 2 distinct places.
Can I come back home? LOL
redawn and all others with Manassas Addresses:
THIS IS STILL MANASSAS!!!
Nice. Address wars. I love it.
It’s almost like when someone, likely a Manassas resident, stated on Wikipedia that the Bobbit incident happened in Manassas Park. (That has since been corrected). Guess that’s one section of PWC that Manassas doesn’t want to be associated with.
MP Resident,
LOL, That is funny. I just want to state for the RECORD, I do not pretend to be anyone other than who I am ( exclusion: redawn and my real name)
I am confident in who I am but started to feel uneasy as to where I lived! LOL
I was joking on the other thread , saying it felt like finding out after ALL these years your parents were not your biological parents…
Maybe we should refer to any part of Manassas that is NOT in the City of Manassas as the stepchild ( but that would hurt someone’s feelings as my kids are step and I have step kids from my husband …but I am sure you get the gist:) )
Batson D. Belfrey, you do not know what you are talking about. Four years ago the PWCPD did arrest 13 people for loitering AND trespassing (some of each) at the Longview 7/11. Some where found guilty and after the court hearing, the Southland Corporation (7/11’s parent company) informed the police department that they would NOT send a representative to court - as is required - to be the complaintant. So it is NOT bs, it is a fact. THe police CANNOT charge such a crime if there is no victim who has ownership of the property. That is why the police respond and cannot move the people off the property - because 7/11 says its ok to stay there. I know - I work for PWCPD. So learn before you write.
Some observations:
Lafayette - The ADC and Courthouse are “shared
services” of PWC and Manassas City
- don’t worry - we pay our fair share
and often more. You can look it up.
MP Resident - The infamous chop was in PWC
while the reattachment was at PWH
in the City of Manassas. The Bobbitts
were PWC residents.
The papers often use “near Manassas” while Greg has
“Manassas (Prince William County)” - either is fine with
me, but always getting the rap for every bad thing in
western PWC isn’t OK for the fair City of Manassas.
yeah, Im sure Officer “Sanchez” wasn’t defending those day laborers because they are from latin america and he has a hispanic surname….sure that couldnt be it could it.
Officer Sanchez is a disgrace to the police and a disgrace to law and order in the United States of America.
I wouldn’t say it is because of his NAME but for him being in the public eye should BE aware to NOT put himself in that situation ( too easy)
He just sounded all and all out unprofessional. If I were his boss, I would tell him : you know better and that is the first thing someone would use.
BigDog,
I’m fully aware of the fact you all pay you fair share. I will tell you this much I love the City of Manassas just as I love the Manassas(PWC). Personally Manassas(PWC) is my prefrence. I certainly understand not wanting to be confused. I HATE the fact the City of Manassas allows that crap on Liberty Street to remain up, and the fact they themselves our addressing the wrong jurisdiction. What’s YOUR plan for that. I’m fully aware of who I am speaking to BTW. I don’t like it when the media would have some believe it’s in the county. I am not here to say one is better than the other. I’ve stated my love for Manassas in a non-discriminatory manner.
I am glad it’s not my address, because I can never spell it right.
All-
I have been reading this thread and the previous one about the day laborer’s at the 7-11’s in the area. Below is a link to fill out a complaint form. I am going to email them right now and demand that they do something at the sites everyone is talking about. I suggest that all of you do the same. If they get enough email, maybe they will do something.
http://12.45.139.55:7001/CR/CR_home.jsp
Big Dog and Lafayette and whoever else,
AND can we ALL agree that there is a Manassas and The City of Manassas? I want t know where to hang my ruby slippers or painted toe nails at night
One Voice said on 7 Jan 2008 at 7:37 pm:
“I am glad it’s not my address, because I can never spell it right.”
My daddy taught me just remember”a man with 2 asssas” and I did lol
Southland Corporation is owned by:
Company Name Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.
Head Office 8-8, Nibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8452, Japan
Phone Number +81-3-6238-3000
Chairman and CEO Toshifumi Suzuki
President and COO Noritoshi Murata
Date of Establishment September 1, 2005
Capital 50 billion yen
Hope they care!!! Not to take away anything from the idea, but, nothing is American owned anymore, that’s part of the bigger problem IMHO.
Imagine being a youngster and having learn the last name, Lafayette, and Manassas.
Redawn, I WILL remember that.
Actually Manassas reminds me verraa much of the small town I grew up in in New England. I have loved the City since I moved here in the early 80’s. Coming from NE, I was very used to towns…
(I just can’t spell)
Nope. I’d have quit school.
I don’t think anybody thinks anyone is better than anyone else. It just makes sense to make sure everyone understands where events are taking place and who they should be contacting as far as elected officials. If I see the above picture and believe it is in the City of Manassas and try to go for help from my elected officials, I need to know which jurisdiction it is in. I hope everyone gets my point. As I see it, we need to make sure information posted on this site is factual and correct. Also, I happen to know that the City has begun legal proceedings against the owner of the property on Liberty St.
One Voice,
Plymouth Rock to boot 
and we have the family tree.
MY dad was born in Massachusetts…pilgrim …lol but serious on that note
HE told me it was easier to spell Manassas tee hee
opppsss…. I should have stoped with Plymouth…..
Bayberry,
Your point is well taken.
It’s about time the City of Manassas has decided to take action the Demolition permit expired months ago. There’s no excuse for the delay other than more pandering to the “owner”.
I wonder if this Officer Sanchez is a rogue cop. It seems like he was acting like a free agent. Was he following police procedure? Do we need protection FROM cops like Sanchez?
If you bloggers feel so strongly about voicing your opinion and complaining about these issues… then why don’t you do something about it? If you feel the Police Department in Prince William County are failing to do their job, and officer’s are a “disgrace” then why don’t you sign up for the job? I am sure either departments would be more then happy to give you an application. It’s easy to be on the out side looking in. Why bring up these issues about “Hispanic’s” now? This has been an issue for awhile… Until the election, no one felt the need to express their opinions to this extent. Talk about jumping on the band-wagon…
I am sure the police have better things to do with their time then concentrating on a dozen “loiterers” at a few 7-11’s. Don’t you want our Police to focus on more important things…. Maybe if we actually paid our police officers the salary they deserve we could get more officer’s on the street and they could do their job more effectively. But I don’t hear any one complaining about those issues… As far “arming” your self when you feel the need to take pictures of Hispanics… good luck with that. I will be looking for your name in the paper for being arrested by PWCPD. You are simply adding to the problem and not the solution. These comments posted about “Officer Sanchez”… you are calling him a racist? How do you even know he is Hispanic? That is racial profiling at its best! I wonder if you would feel the same if it was “Officer White?” Again… adding to the problem not the solution…
Lafayette, they have to issue a notice of violation first and give a certain amount of time to comply before they can take legal action. I agree, but sometimes the wheels of justice turn slowly.
UPSETREADER,
The “outside looking in” has looked at this situation and all other situations prior to this day. Go back and research the threads.
I do have to say THIS blog had brought people of all races, religious/non religous beliefs, money shaking and money making backgrounds.
I would say,we ALL are doing SOMETHING and this is the place to be.
I don’t know Redawn, I hardly think of BVBL as embracing diversity.
“I know - I work for PWCPD. So learn before you write.”
First responder, I know exactly what I am talking about. I operate at levels far above yours, if you are what I think you are, and I have access to areas of information that you only wish you had. Worse, your outting yourself as a PWC PD employee only shows your bias, and undermines any credibility that you might have had. You would have been better off just disagreeing with me, and throwing out a few facts to support your case, instead of your limited resume. That would be like me saying “I was a directory assitance operator at MCI. I know that Bernie Ebbers was an honest man”, or “I am Dan Rather, I live and work in mid-town Manhatten. I talekd to 100 people today in NYC, and no one disagreed with me, so I must not have a liberal bias”…never mind that the 100 people he spoke to, like 99% of manhatten residents are liberals. Maybe if you talked to a few people who actually prosecute crimes here in PWC, you would see that you are just toeing the department line, and have drunk the Chucky Flavo-Aid.
Fill out that complaint form that Maureen provided. It’s easy takes a couple of minutes. Or call Japan right now, it’s in the morning and press 1 for English…
When you’re stopped on the hill on Coverstone and can see the day laborers urinating and fighting just call the PWC non-emergency number and report it and give them the description of what is going on. The number is 703-792-6500. The PWC has been very responsive to any calls I’ve made.
The 7-11 is right down the road from my condo complex and it’s a 20109 zip code which is in the county, but we use the Manassas post office so that’s our city we use in our address.
Correction “the PWCPD has been very responsive…”
# One Voice said on 7 Jan 2008 at 8:53 pm:
I don’t know Redawn, I hardly think of BVBL as embracing diversity. :),,
Ok, I have to agree in that light. I am speaking from the different voices of all backgrounds that “I” give time too…..but I see in the BIG PICTURE what you mean and agree.
Redawn, I was teasing you a bit….
One Voice,
That is okay in book! LOL, keep me on my toes but good it came out!
“Don’t you want our Police to focus on more important things….”
Never heard of the broken window theory, have you?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixing_Broken_Windows
I didn’t know 99% of Manhattens were liberal. Just keep learning more and more here… Boy you must really have acess to top secret stuff.
Also posted as message 133 of other similar subject:
Greg, I am sorry you had such an experience with PWCPD.
You should definitely file complaints about this.
Everyone, please do not place yourself in the situations like I have been reading about. Let’s get organized on this and hopefully no one will get hurt!
I’m responding to both posts about the day-labor sights with this:
When the Herndon people (read George Taplin and associates) did this in Herndon the rules were set and the project was orderly and civil. The volunteers showed up on the public sidewalk, most armed with cameras and hopefully in force (more than one) usually four or more. It was not done every day as there were truly just a few diehards that habitually showed up. Once a week was effective, not always the same weekday.
There were never harsh words exchanged with anyone, stern sometimes but not harsh or rude. When a worker walked past us, we greeted the individual with kind words (in English). I never witnessed any act even close to violent. I was however always vigilant.
The primary target for the cameras was the contractor who came to employ these people. Every effort was made to be as obvious as possible that the contractor’s trucks, license plates, signs, etc were recorded.
When asked whom the recorded images and info were for, the normal response was that the collected information would be turned over to ICE, IRS, any organization that sounded like it would impress the target.
Remember, if the contractors do not come, there will be no laborers.
What actually happened with the pictures was that they remained personal property and you can do whatever you feel you must, being careful to protect yourself and the participants working with you from any claims of wrongdoing.
This was simple, effective and legal. We did get harassed somewhat by the police from time to time, but if you follow the rules and stay legal no one can do anything to you!
This approach brought international press coverage.
I moved out west a month ago to get away from this crap. The PWC police force is a damn joke.
I noticed that the 7-11 at the intersection of Route 1 & Prince William Parkway (across from Marumsco Plaza) has less hispanics hanging out then before.
Greg,
Can you ping Lou Dobbs’ folks about this?
Dan
Davin,
That’s a good thing. NONE would be best, and especially if they are now in the practice of “whipping it out” out women. That place must be cleaned up. The 7-11 around the corner on Rt 1, has a fair amount too.
Man, I was just looking at the pic of the 7-11 and the 7-11 near my house (rt.1 & prkway) puts this one to shame. I work from home on Mondays and yesterday I went there around mid-day and there had to be at least 50 or more guys standing around. It seems like each week a few more guys are added to the group. One van pulled up and dropped off 9 guys… 9. I live in Belmont Bay which is a nice little area and it’s just a shame that once you leave the neighborhood you have to put up with this type of stuff. There is another 7-11 up the street a little (rt.1) next to a Goodyear tire place that I go to every now and then however I’ve stopped going there because I got sick of being stared at as if I didn’t belong there or I was invading their “turf” or something. I’m just getting reallyfed up with the whole issue and it seems like no progress is being made. If I could afford to sell my house and move away I would in a heartbeat.
I emailed Mr. Stirrip last night after reading the blog about Greg getting pulled over and here is the reply I received:
Thank you for contacting the office of the Gainesville District Supervisor John Stirrup. The Supervisor has asked that I respond to your concern regarding the incident at the 7-11 on Coverstone Drive.
We received the reports of the incident at 7-11 shortly after it occurred. The Supervisor is currently discussing the issue with the Police Department, who are currently investigating internally. As I understand, the incident is well documented and we anticipate further action with regarding the issue.
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Scott Chambers
Senior Aide
Gainesville District
OK. I just moved to Manassas and now I am confused. I am so dumb, I dont even know if I live in the city or not. My bad. But I am now more afraid to be in the car with my children near day laborer sites. I go to Jazzercise in Centreville and that strip mall has at least 40 there every day when I have gone around 9:15 am.
faithmy,
Don’t put your address here but what street do you live on? People here can help you out.
Stay away from day labor sites. Those can be unpleasant. While at Jazzercise, don’t make eye contact, carry your cell phone visably going in and out and if anyone bothers you, call 911. Know the address of Jazzercize so you can tell the 911 dispatcher.
faith,
You are not dumb, just uninformed. It took me about a month to realize I didn’t live IN Manassas. I live in the County. It is important to know so you can call the right Fire Dept and Police Dept.
faithmy
See if you can find your address at this county website.
http://www4.pwcgov.org/realestate/landrover.asp
Or just give us your street name. We can help you figure it out.
Crestwood. I was trying not to make eye contact, but then I was wondering to myself “Am I an American woman in America?? Since when do I have to keep my eyes down??” I was ashamed that I was even thinking of laying low.
faithmy,
You live in Prince William County, in the Gainesville District. The Honorable John Stirrup is your Supervisor, and he’s now the Vice-Chairman. Here’s a the web page for Mr. Stirrup. Please, take a look at it. It’s got a lot of useful information about what’s going on in the county, and specifically in the Gainesville District.
http://www.gainesvillesupervisor.com/
The PWC Home Page for other useful links regarding PWC.
Welcome to my home county.
http://www.pwcgov.org/default.aspx
One Voice said on 7 Jan 2008 at 8:53 pm:
“I don’t know Redawn, I hardly think of BVBL as embracing diversity.”
Well, gee…I don’t know, One Voice. I just had a wonderful experience with diversity at the old Wal-Mart over near 66 (btw, this is NOT a sarcasm alert). The short time I was there, I noted at least one Philippine, a couple of Hispanics, numerous Blacks and some Caucasians (employees). You want to know what made it so wonderful? They ALL spoke, and understood, English and were consequently very helpful! I haven’t had that pleasant an experience in a Wal-Mart in this area (although I have in other areas) in a LONG time. I wonder what’s up?
AWC,
Wow! I’ve been avoiding Walmart like the plague for a few years now. I might have to reconsider after your favorable experience.
English spoken and understood by all. Boy, now there’s a concept.
Thanks for the good news. I could use some.
Charlie Deane……….please do your job and save us from the unemployed loitering masses.
Just an FYI:
Those pictures and comments about the “Sal13″ and “Val13″ gangs. Those are member tags for MS-13 gang members. Sal is a name, and the 13 identifies their allegence.
My wife and I moved out of Lorton a year ago because these gang signs, and an increase in drug and prostitution, began in our apartment complex. It was so bad, that when I handed night photos ( I am a pretty good amatuer photographer) to Fairfax County PD, they just shrugged their shoulders, thanked us, and recommended that we look for somewhere else to live. Apparently, they had so many phone calls in the past 6 months, they had just given up!
We broke our lease. I handed copies of the photos to the landlord when he threatened legal action, then pointed to a “Zero Tolerance” drug policy in our lease. I had no issues after that.
Thanks for the lesson about Manassas and the PW area. We are now looking for a house, and I will make sure that PW is not on the list. I don’t understand how any government official could stand against the citizens that elect them. Sounds like it’s time for the entire county to withhold it’s property tax payments.