For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Media Contact:
Richard Cannon | 770-653-6138 | rwolters3@gmail.com

ESCONDIDO, Calif. — Escondido residents and community advocates will hold a peaceful boycott rally outside Talk of the Town Car Wash on Saturday, May 16, calling on the public to stop patronizing the business after campaign finance records show it donated $5,500 to Mayor Dane White's 2026 re-election campaign.

Organizers say the action is part of a growing campaign to hold Mayor White and his donor network accountable following the City Council's February 25th vote to maintain Escondido's contract allowing Homeland Security Investigations (HSI/ICE) agents to use Escondido Police Department facilities as a firing range. The boycott also follows a leaked campaign fundraising email in which Mayor White denigrated the hundreds of Escondido residents who spoke against the contract at the council meeting.

"Escondido voters have the chance this November to replace Mayor Dane White and City Councilmember Joe Garcia, both of whom voted to continue inviting immigration enforcement agents to use Escondido Police Department facilities. But voters don't just cast ballots in November, they vote every day with their wallets. We're asking the community to think twice before patronizing businesses that fund politicians who put immigrant families at risk." said Richard Cannon, an organizer with 50501 North County San Diego.

The boycott follows months of sustained public opposition, including rallies, vigils, student walkouts, petition delivery, public records requests, and a letter signed by more than 30 regional elected officials. At the February 25th council meeting, residents packed the chambers and delivered hours of testimony demanding cancellation of the agreement. Organizers say they are reviewing additional businesses that have donated to Mayor White and Councilmember Garcia's 2026 campaigns and will likely hold additional boycott actions through the summer.

WHO: Escondido residents and allied community members; non-partisan civic advocacy groups Indivisible North County San Diego, We the People, and 50501 North County San Diego

WHAT: Peaceful boycott rally with signs, speakers, and bilingual leafleting of car wash patrons

WHEN: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026

WHERE: Talk of the Town Car Wash, 400 Brotherton Road, Escondido, CA 92025

MEDIA: Parking available across the street at 2250 S. Escondido Blvd. #105. Organizers will be on site to direct reporters to speakers and interview participants.