King City Makes Big Decision, Changes Towing Policy

vehicles “if we do tow 3 “if we do tow those vehicle that’s really hurting the people that can afford it the least.” tonight — the central coast city at the center of an “alleged towing scheme” targeting poor hispanics… decides to cut unlicensed drivers some slack—- as long as they’re following some important rules behind the wheel! the news — starts now! 3 3 3 it’s been almost a month since officers in king city were arrested for alleged crimes of embezzlement to bribery. but a meeting tonight– didn’t focus on that! instead– it looked at rebuilding!### good evening, i’m jasmine viel. and i’m marc cota-robles. ### the city council made a “big decision” i making sure the progress, continues moving forward! 3 central coast news reporter marissa schwartz is in king city…### marissa– you were able to listen to both sides of an argument– as the city adopts a new towing policy to ease the unrest! 3 city leaders say they’re adopting new rules with the idea of creating leniency for some in the community. tonight’s discussion centered around a lack of nationwide immigration policy.that’s because allegedly those who were targeted in the towing scheme were poor and unlicensed. 3 *trt: 1.31 outcue: who put the food on our tables.:*:01-:08 :10-:15:29-:38″if we can amend the tow policy and be more lenient towards people, i think its just kind of one of those human rights, it’s just the right thing to do.”now when someone’s pulled over in king city, a car won’t be automatically towed for minor 3 infractions, as long as the driver is legally parked, insured, registered and no crimes were committed.the city says just because some are here illegally and can’t get a drivers license, doesn’t mean they should have their car taken away for that reason alone.”it is important that as many unlicensed drivers that are currently operating vehicles on the roadways, that they have a pathway so that they can get licensed, then they can get registration and insurance for their vehicles.” next year that will change when a new state law goes into affect, allowing illegal immigrants to obtain a driver’s certificate. but until then the city says patrol officers need to get permission from a sergeant before they can tow a car.and some say that’s just complicating things.”that’s one of the main tools of a peace officer, they go through numerous amounts of hours of training to make those decisions.”chief dennis hegwood will also have to provide regular reports to the city, detailing which cars are towed and for what offense. some say the new policy is sending the wrong message.”i don’t think myself that we should bend over backwards for people that are breaking the law.”while others say its a step in the right direction. “maybe they’re not here legally in this country. but you do not forget, they’re the ones who put the food on our tables. 3 the measure passed without all councilmembers voting in favor. they added more oversight to the policy and say officers will get more training on the new procedures. 3 the city is also planning to talk about tightening “conflict of interest” policies next month.### it could change–*who would be allowed to buy those impounded cars.### right now– a city employee can potentially buy a towed car … some say– it wouldn’t be right to place any kind of restriction on a city employee. 3 two of those officers arrested–will be in court tomorrow … former chief nick baldiviez and officer “mario mottu, senior” ar scheduled to set a date for their preliminary hearing. both have pleaded *not guilty to charges of embezzlement. 3 also in court tomorrow… eraca *craig and christian *de-anda!### the pair are charged with “child neglect and abuse” after deputies found their house trashed and three children inside — all malnourished and emotionally and physically abused. 3 a date for their *pre-liminary hearing should be set, at tomorrow’s appearance…#### both women pleaded “not guilty” last week.