Valley News
Photo taken Friday, September 15 at the Valley Center/Cole Grade intersection.
You may have seen them at intersections across Escondido, but about Friday at 5 p.m. they were asking drivers along Valley Center Road at the Cole Grade intersection for donations.
Their claim: They need to raise funds for an ill child. The Roadrunner stopped by and asked a couple questions of the man on the street in the photo. First we were told the little girl pictured on the posters was his niece.
We asked what her name was, he then had to look at the sign he was holding before he could answer. We then asked if she was local, as we would love to visit and do a story on her – his response: “She lives in Romania.”
We asked if she has a local family – his response: “No family and we don’t need an article on us since we’re flying to Romania in two days to bring her this money.”
As we were questioning the man, a brand new black Nissan Rogue SUV quickly drove up and the driver gave a threatening stare, watching our every move until we drove away. Be aware and please don’t fall for their scams.
Update: After the paper questioned them, they all left the intersection abruptly. It’s likely they’ll return.
We asked Sheriff’s Lt. Aaron Meleen what the law is about such interactions. He told The Roadrunner, “We encourage the public not to engage with solicitors who are running into traffic, as there are inherent dangers created by this type of activity, not only to the solicitors, but to other drivers and pedestrians in the area as well.”
He added, “To answer your question about the legality of soliciting money, it would fall under the 647(c) section of the California Penal Code, which prohibits this type of activity. The Sheriff’s Department encourages the public to ensure they have done their research prior to donating money to any organization.”
Photo who appears to be a man overseeing the operations.
In March of this year, we came across individuals at the intersection of Valley Parkway and Ash. At the time, readers continued to contact the paper inquiring on the female who a group of men are “raising funds for funeral expenses” at popular intersections in town.
They ask for cash, Venmo, cash app, etc. The paper stopped by to inquire and was provided multiple versions of this woman’s alleged passing. The first person questioned stated she passed “last Wednesday”. We inquired who would know the details for a possible story and was referred to the man pictured, her “Tio” (uncle). When questioned he said he’s not related and doesn’t know her, but a “family friend”. We asked how she passed and was told a DUI in National City “two weeks ago”. When we informed him were with the newspaper, he quickly walked away and refused to speak further ignoring additional questions. When inquiring with a nearby EPD officer, we were told, “they usually rotate around town and usually false”. The paper contacted National City PD who stated they have no DUI fatalities with the name printed on their signs in their system. We later checked with Escondido Police Department and was told, “We have an ordinance in the city and use the vehicle code to deal with all solicitors with signs. We will issue citations to anyone soliciting in a median or near a freeway on and off ramp.”
Photo taken in March 2023 at the corner of Valley Parkway and Ash.
