Anti-Abortion Group Pickets Umberg Offices

About 30 members of the Hispanic Coalition for Human Rights picketed the offices Saturday of Assembly candidate Tom Umberg, an abortion rights supporter, claiming that an overabundance of abortion clinics are located in Latino neighborhoods.

Some members of the anti-abortion coalition carried placards declaring, “Hispanic Population Humiliated” and “Racism at Its Max” as they walked in the 800 block of Broadway. Coalition spokeswoman Rachel Enriquez said Umberg’s abortion position supports a “racist” attitude.

Enriquez claimed that eight of the 11 abortion clinics in Orange County are in Santa Ana, which has a substantial Latino population.

Umberg spokesman George Urch said he offered to meet coalition members when they arrived early Saturday, but said his offer was declined.

Urch said it was the first time the coalition’s concerns have been presented to the Umberg campaign, which is seeking to unseat 72nd Assembly District incumbent Curt Pringle (R-Garden Grove). Pringle opposes abortion.

“They are trying to turn it into a Hispanic issue, not just a choice issue,” Urch said.

The demonstration was relatively quiet except for a minor incident when a Santa Ana police officer was called to ask the members to leave the candidate’s offices. They later continued picketing on the street.

The coalition spokeswoman said the group also objected to contributions accepted by Umberg from abortion rights supporters.

“We are more than unhappy, we are outraged,” Enriquez said.

Urch said Umberg represents a “strong pro-choice” position, adding that supporters of legal abortion have been active in the campaign.