CA Rep. Zoe Lofgren's Vote Against DUI Bill Ignites Controversy Amid Rising Drunk Driving Fatalities

Silicon Valley Shocked by Representative's Stance as DUI Statistics Soar

Entrenched Washington insider Zoe Lofgren is running for reelection in the newly reconfigured California 18th Congressional District covering Silicon Valley.

By Richard Luthmann

In a vote this past week, California's 18th Congressional District Representative Zoe Lofgren sided with drunk drivers over community safety. Now, she is feeling the backlash from anti-drunk driving advocacy groups and the Hispanic community, particularly after the loss of Santa Clara County Sheriff's Deputy Arturo Romero. The 51-year-old law enforcement veteran and father of five fell victim to a DUI crash last year, just months before his retirement.

A Decision Against the Community Safety Numbers

Lofgren’s decision to oppose the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act has sparked a firestorm of criticism, especially in light of recent alarming drunk driving statistics. This legislation, aimed at preventing non-U.S. nationals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) from entering or remaining in the United States, was deemed crucial by many for enhancing road safety. Lofgren's "nay" comes amid a backdrop of a significant rise in DUI-related fatalities and injuries, casting a long shadow over her campaign in the forthcoming primary election.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), every 79 seconds, someone in the U.S. is killed or injured in a crash involving a drunk driver, underscoring the pervasive threat these incidents pose to public safety.

The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) reports that drunk drivers were involved in approximately 31% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States, with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .08 g/dL or higher. Furthermore, the daily toll of drunk-driving crashes in the U.S. stands at about 37 lives lost — equivalent to one person every 39 minutes. In 2021 alone, 13,384 individuals died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths, marking a 14% increase from 2020 and highlighting a distressing upward trend in preventable fatalities.

The NHTSA's findings reveal a staggering 31% increase in drunk driving deaths since 2019. In 2020, 338,000 individuals were injured in incidents involving intoxicated drivers, with an average of 347,000 drunk driving episodes occurring each day. By 2021, injuries due to drunken driving crashes rose to 388,136, with a total of 401,520 people killed or injured in such incidents.

Whether or not Lofgren wants to admit it, there is a drunk driving epidemic in the U.S. Legislation like the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act is a critical component in keeping the streets and communities safe.

The statistics gain a grim relevance in the district, still mourning the loss of Santa Clara County Sheriff's Deputy Arturo Romero, who fell victim to a DUI crash last year just months shy of his retirement.

Lofgren's opposition to the bill, particularly in a district grappling with the consequences of drunk driving, raises questions about her alignment with community safety priorities. Her vote stands in stark contrast to the data-driven advocacy for stricter DUI laws, driven by the goal of preventing the tragic loss of life and suffering associated with drunk driving.

The Tragic Loss of Deputy Arturo Romero: A Community Mourns

Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Deputy Arturo Romero died in the early morning of July 15, 2023, while traveling home from a shift. He was months shy of his retirement. The 51-year-old left a wife and five children. Zoe Lofgren has already forgotten all about Deputy Romero and other victims of drunk driving and their families.

In the early hours of July 15, 2023, the community of California's 18th Congressional District was shaken to its core by the devastating loss of Santa Clara County Sheriff's Deputy Arturo Romero. Just months shy of his planned retirement, Deputy Romero's life was cut tragically short when a drunk driver struck his vehicle head-on on State Highway 87 in San Jose.

The collision, involving a 2009 Toyota Sienna driving the wrong way and piloted by 26-year-old Conrad J. Gonzalez of San Jose, claimed Romero's life at the scene.

Deputy Romero, a dedicated officer with 24 years of service to the sheriff's office, drove home to Gilroy after his shift when disaster struck. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash occurred around 4:50 a.m. Despite the early hour, the impact of this tragedy resonated throughout the community, bringing to the forefront the catastrophic consequences of drunk driving.

Gonzalez, the driver responsible for the collision, faces felony charges for DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 8, 2024, in Santa Clara Superior Court.

Sustaining moderate injuries, Gonzalez was taken to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, underscoring the stark contrast in outcomes between the perpetrator and the victim of this senseless act.

Deputy Romero, at 51, was looking forward to a well-deserved retirement at the end of 2023, planning to spend more time with his wife, Jean, their four children, and his sister. His untimely death not only robbed his family of a husband, father, and brother but also deprived the community of a committed and caring public servant. The Peace Officers Research Association of California, among others, mourned the loss, recognizing Romero's contributions and lamenting the circumstances of his passing.

A Pivotal Primary?

The primary election in California's 18th Congressional District is shaping up to be a pivotal moment, with Lofgren's recent legislative decision potentially impacting her support among constituents. The district, known for its progressive values and commitment to public safety, may view Lofgren's stance as out of step with the urgent need to address the drunk driving crisis.

Challenger Charlene Concepción Nijmeh has been vocal about her dedication to enhancing community safety and addressing the root causes of issues like drunk driving. In contrast to Lofgren, Nijmeh's campaign emphasizes proactive measures and legislative support to curb DUI incidents, resonating with voters who prioritize safety and accountability.

Chairwoman Charlene Conceptión Nijmeh outside Rep. Eric Swalwell’s Congressional Office.

As the primary approaches, the electorate is left to weigh the implications of Lofgren's controversial vote against the backdrop of rising drunk driving statistics. The issue of DUI prevention has taken on new significance in the district, highlighting the broader debate over how to combat this ongoing public safety challenge effectively.

We contacted Rep. Lofgren’s office for a statement on her vote in the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act. As of press time, we received no response.

With the memory of Deputy Romero's untimely death serving as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved, the community's response to Lofgren's legislative choices may well reflect a broader desire for change and a more aggressive stance against the scourge of drunk driving.

As voters head to the polls, the impact of DUI-related fatalities and injuries on the district's political landscape cannot be underestimated, with safety and prevention poised to be critical factors in the election's outcome.

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