Thousands Boycott In San Diego

SAN DIEGO -- Thousands of people are boycotting work, schools and stores throughout San Diego County today to rally as part of a nationwide demonstration in support of immigrant rights.

Billed as the "Great American Boycott," the event has been promoted heavily on Spanish-language radio stations and aims to showcase the economic might of immigrants.

At least 1,000 people are expected at a rally and cultural event at Wildwood Park in Vista. The event, at Escondido Avenue and East Vista Way, starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m., organizer Angelica Delgado said.

Organizers plan to educate the public about their voting rights, said Delgado.

Another rally and daylong event is planned on the campus of California State University at San Marcos. It will also run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Delgado said.

At 1 p.m., a group was expected to gather at San Ysidro Community Park and march to the border, where they will be joined by marchers from Mexico.

The event will feature speakers, voter registration, cultural presentations and musical performances, all emphasizing a call for "full rights" for illegal immigrants, planners said.

Meantime, "Day of Action" demonstrations are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in San Diego's Balboa Park and Grape Day Park in Escondido.

The rallies -- some set for the late afternoon and evening so as not to interfere with work or school -- also will feature speeches, political activism and live music, along with candlelight vigils.

Law enforcement and school officials throughout Southern California have urged students to stay in school and only participate in late-afternoon demonstrations.

San Diego police will deploy extra officers to monitor the demonstrations, according to Gary Hassen of the SDPD.

The boycott comes as lawmakers in Washington debate immigration reform. A House bill, which if passed by the Senate would have made undocumented workers felons, has sparked mass protests across the country. Congress has been trying to craft compromise legislation.

10News SurveyUSA Poll

In a 10News SurveyUSA poll, many San Diegans seemed to be against the demonstrations.

Out of 1,200 adults asked, only 5 percent said they will participate in today's events.

Thirty-three percent said they sympathize with those who will, 15 percent said they don't care, 46 percent are opposed to the boycott, and 2 percent are unsure.