Elizabeth Rodriguez/Times Staff Writer | Posted: Wednesday, July 9, 2003 12:00 am
A recent act of vandalism to a Guadalupe councilmember/s car during a council meeting has left other council members fearing their safety and asking for beefed-up security.
Councilmember Joe Talaugon/s car was keyed and the tires were slashed in front of city hall at the last council meeting. At Tuesday/s meeting he said he believes it was an act of retaliation for a decision he made on an issue.
"What is it going to be next, actual violence?" he said. "I am going to vote the way I feel."
Councilmember Carlos Aguilera said the political climate has made him fear for his security and that of his family, especially on days the council meets, adding that he has installed safety lighting at his home.
Councilmember Virginia Ponce said she recently had a leak in her tire, which brought up Talaugon/s incident in the back of her mind.
"It/s pretty scary, but it/s an issue we have to deal with," she said.
City Administrator Carolyn Galloway-Cooper said she will come up with ideas to improve security at city hall, which is next to the police station, and will bring the issue back before the council at a later date.
Guadalupe Police Chief Jerry Tucker said the department is doing all it can to find the suspect.
* Staff writer Elizabeth Rodriguez can be reached at 347-4580 or by e-mail at erodriguez@pulitzer.net.
July 9, 2003