Seth Hall
@loteck.bsky.social
Technology in the public interest and San Diego localism. Signal: loteck.01
Pinned
Seth Hall
@loteck.bsky.social
· Nov 9
Deliberately focusing posts on San Diego since I moved to Bluesky. The highest result from 2010s Twitter was when it connected me to real folks talking local topics & meeting up. Lowest value was drowning in national politics/global affairs & celebs. Tech & policy results were pretty mid.
old.reddit.com/r/sandiego/c...
Here's what's up. By the by, von Wilpert thanked @colinparent.bsky.social for sending a letter to public safety endorsing the Flock technology but I couldn't find a copy of it. Let me know if anyone has that letter, I'd like to read it!
Here's what's up. By the by, von Wilpert thanked @colinparent.bsky.social for sending a letter to public safety endorsing the Flock technology but I couldn't find a copy of it. Let me know if anyone has that letter, I'd like to read it!
Help us Get The Flock Out of San Diego (community opposition to Flock license plate readers)
Hi sub, I'm Seth with the TRUST SD Coalition, here to ask for your help with these [Flock license plate...
old.reddit.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:48 PM
old.reddit.com/r/sandiego/c...
Here's what's up. By the by, von Wilpert thanked @colinparent.bsky.social for sending a letter to public safety endorsing the Flock technology but I couldn't find a copy of it. Let me know if anyone has that letter, I'd like to read it!
Here's what's up. By the by, von Wilpert thanked @colinparent.bsky.social for sending a letter to public safety endorsing the Flock technology but I couldn't find a copy of it. Let me know if anyone has that letter, I'd like to read it!
Why is there nowhere to debate things in public anymore. We only debate when people are self promoting. I want to debate ideas
December 5, 2025 at 5:50 AM
Why is there nowhere to debate things in public anymore. We only debate when people are self promoting. I want to debate ideas
Reposted by Seth Hall
Thank you to all the journalists and whistleblowers who bravely speak out against threats to our digital rights.
November 28, 2025 at 3:02 AM
Thank you to all the journalists and whistleblowers who bravely speak out against threats to our digital rights.
www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/11/20/o...
Most days I wake up to new news about the abuse or misue of Flock ALPR cameras in the US, or news about Flock being caught lying about the same. Flock is the worst of the worst surveillance tech right now, and we should get it out of San Diego right away
Most days I wake up to new news about the abuse or misue of Flock ALPR cameras in the US, or news about Flock being caught lying about the same. Flock is the worst of the worst surveillance tech right now, and we should get it out of San Diego right away
Opinion: Mayor hypes license plate readers, doesn’t mention abuses
The risks and dangers of Flock are now verified and increasingly well-known.
www.sandiegouniontribune.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:25 AM
www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/11/20/o...
Most days I wake up to new news about the abuse or misue of Flock ALPR cameras in the US, or news about Flock being caught lying about the same. Flock is the worst of the worst surveillance tech right now, and we should get it out of San Diego right away
Most days I wake up to new news about the abuse or misue of Flock ALPR cameras in the US, or news about Flock being caught lying about the same. Flock is the worst of the worst surveillance tech right now, and we should get it out of San Diego right away
Reposted by Seth Hall
Cops around the country searched Flock Safety ALPR databases related to the No Kings protests.
It's no secret that 2025 has given Americans plenty to protest about. But as news cameras showed protesters filling streets of cities across the country, cops were watching those streets through different lenses: Flock Safety license plate readers that tracked every car. www.eff.org/deeplinks/2...
How Cops Are Using Flock Safety's ALPR Network to Surveil Protesters
Through an analysis of 10 months of nationwide searches on Flock Safety's servers, we discovered that more than 50 federal, state, and local agencies ran hundreds of searches through Flock's national
www.eff.org
November 21, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Cops around the country searched Flock Safety ALPR databases related to the No Kings protests.
In true form for San Diego, we are paying for the worst of the worst of the license plate readers systems: Flock. Lies, data breaches, lawsuits, failed audits, abusive practices. Never stop fighting against San Diego adopting the worst products and practices. We can and should have better.
City of San Diego's Privacy Advisory Board votes unanimously to "cease' Flock Automated License Plate Reader Technology. PAB's report: www.sandiego.gov/sites/defaul...
The final decision is with City Council. Be heard by leaving a comment for Public Safety Committee. How to in thread 🧵
The final decision is with City Council. Be heard by leaving a comment for Public Safety Committee. How to in thread 🧵
www.sandiego.gov
November 9, 2025 at 9:03 PM
In true form for San Diego, we are paying for the worst of the worst of the license plate readers systems: Flock. Lies, data breaches, lawsuits, failed audits, abusive practices. Never stop fighting against San Diego adopting the worst products and practices. We can and should have better.
Flying some all stars in to San Diego to talk about what's going on with mass surveillance and "public safety." Tickets to the in-person conference are free until we fill up. Please don't register if you won't attend, but you should totally register and attend!
Safety in Unity 2025 with added speakers Sarah T. Hamid (@eff.org) and Pedro Rios (@pedroconsafos.bsky.social) joining TRUST to fight against mass #surveillance in San Diego!
Saturday, September 20 from 11am-3pm in City Heights
RSVP at trst.fyi/su25 for location
Saturday, September 20 from 11am-3pm in City Heights
RSVP at trst.fyi/su25 for location
September 11, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Flying some all stars in to San Diego to talk about what's going on with mass surveillance and "public safety." Tickets to the in-person conference are free until we fill up. Please don't register if you won't attend, but you should totally register and attend!
Reposted by Seth Hall
Reposted by Seth Hall
Whoa look at this notification on Maps
June 14, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Whoa look at this notification on Maps
Been talking with city leaders/staffers recently & all want money for good ideas, like the below need for $1.1M to increase fire safety (gift link).
we at @sandiegotrust.bsky.social propose redirecting $2M smart streetlights & license plate funding.
www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/05/31/w...
we at @sandiegotrust.bsky.social propose redirecting $2M smart streetlights & license plate funding.
www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/05/31/w...
With San Diego still failing to manage flammable brush, council members want money in the budget
Frustrated the city still hasn’t made big changes called for in a 2023 audit, council members lobbied the mayor during recent budget hearings to prioritize a more comprehensive approach.
www.sandiegouniontribune.com
May 31, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Been talking with city leaders/staffers recently & all want money for good ideas, like the below need for $1.1M to increase fire safety (gift link).
we at @sandiegotrust.bsky.social propose redirecting $2M smart streetlights & license plate funding.
www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/05/31/w...
we at @sandiegotrust.bsky.social propose redirecting $2M smart streetlights & license plate funding.
www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/05/31/w...
Reposted by Seth Hall
Those shoulder patches sure look like stylized fasces
from Wikipedia: "... it symbolized a Roman king's power to punish his subjects."
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasces
from Wikipedia: "... it symbolized a Roman king's power to punish his subjects."
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasces
May 31, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Those shoulder patches sure look like stylized fasces
from Wikipedia: "... it symbolized a Roman king's power to punish his subjects."
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasces
from Wikipedia: "... it symbolized a Roman king's power to punish his subjects."
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasces
Reposted by Seth Hall
I don’t get to say this often so I’m not going to miss the chance.
I’m so damn proud of San Diego. youtu.be/nna2gvBU4yQ?...
I’m so damn proud of San Diego. youtu.be/nna2gvBU4yQ?...
ICE raid at Buona Forchetta in South Park
YouTube video by Declan Fleming
youtu.be
May 31, 2025 at 2:56 AM
I don’t get to say this often so I’m not going to miss the chance.
I’m so damn proud of San Diego. youtu.be/nna2gvBU4yQ?...
I’m so damn proud of San Diego. youtu.be/nna2gvBU4yQ?...
Reposted by Seth Hall
Federal immigration agents raided a South Park (San Diego) restaurant and started with flash bang grenades.
www.cbs8.com/mobile/artic...
www.cbs8.com/mobile/artic...
Federal immigration agents raid San Diego restaurant
Immigration agents raided a South Park restaurant, using flash bang grenades.
www.cbs8.com
May 31, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Federal immigration agents raided a South Park (San Diego) restaurant and started with flash bang grenades.
www.cbs8.com/mobile/artic...
www.cbs8.com/mobile/artic...
Reposted by Seth Hall
Coyote howling by day down by the Mexican border here in San Diego. I did a quick U-turn to come back and get this shot and I was stopped by border patrol who said I was behaving suspiciously. Of course I was, I’m a birder! 🤣🌿🦊
May 25, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Coyote howling by day down by the Mexican border here in San Diego. I did a quick U-turn to come back and get this shot and I was stopped by border patrol who said I was behaving suspiciously. Of course I was, I’m a birder! 🤣🌿🦊
Reposted by Seth Hall
San Diego Street Art Collage
Photographer Jon Pinter
#streetart #art #artist #artmatters #mural #streetartphotography #photo #photography #fotografie #photographer #coast #coastlife #california #westcoast #WestCoastLife #photographerofbluesky #cityscape #cityart
#urbanart #photographysky
Photographer Jon Pinter
#streetart #art #artist #artmatters #mural #streetartphotography #photo #photography #fotografie #photographer #coast #coastlife #california #westcoast #WestCoastLife #photographerofbluesky #cityscape #cityart
#urbanart #photographysky
May 19, 2025 at 11:48 AM
San Diego Street Art Collage
Photographer Jon Pinter
#streetart #art #artist #artmatters #mural #streetartphotography #photo #photography #fotografie #photographer #coast #coastlife #california #westcoast #WestCoastLife #photographerofbluesky #cityscape #cityart
#urbanart #photographysky
Photographer Jon Pinter
#streetart #art #artist #artmatters #mural #streetartphotography #photo #photography #fotografie #photographer #coast #coastlife #california #westcoast #WestCoastLife #photographerofbluesky #cityscape #cityart
#urbanart #photographysky
Reposted by Seth Hall
My process for SAN DIEGO SUNSET
May 18, 2025 at 9:20 PM
My process for SAN DIEGO SUNSET
Reposted by Seth Hall
Reposted by Seth Hall
Guys, #sdjournos PLEASE help out. We really need nominations for “Journalist of the Year.” Please share. The only requirements are 1) the nominee is a journalist 2) in San Diego. 3) is not on SPJ board.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Journalist of the year
Please nominate who you think should be journalist of the year. Please include their name followed by a brief explanation of why. Specific examples would be greatly appreciated.
If there are notes, do...
docs.google.com
May 3, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Guys, #sdjournos PLEASE help out. We really need nominations for “Journalist of the Year.” Please share. The only requirements are 1) the nominee is a journalist 2) in San Diego. 3) is not on SPJ board.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Today from a brewery filled with conference goers I observed a container ship motoring by the fishing boats parked near the sidewalk where San Diegans jog. Tourists sat beside me eating tacos and I admit I did have a double IPA in front of me . This was the most San Diego moment.
April 17, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Today from a brewery filled with conference goers I observed a container ship motoring by the fishing boats parked near the sidewalk where San Diegans jog. Tourists sat beside me eating tacos and I admit I did have a double IPA in front of me . This was the most San Diego moment.
Reposted by Seth Hall
here are the elephants at the @sandiegozoo.bsky.social safari park reacting to the earthquake just outside #sandiego. you can see them forming an “alert circle,” as Emily helpfully informed us, during which the adults can be seen "instinctively circling the younger elephants to protect them."
April 14, 2025 at 8:25 PM
here are the elephants at the @sandiegozoo.bsky.social safari park reacting to the earthquake just outside #sandiego. you can see them forming an “alert circle,” as Emily helpfully informed us, during which the adults can be seen "instinctively circling the younger elephants to protect them."
Not sure that we want people experiencing an earthquake to be tempted to play around with their phone in those critical moments. If the alert arrived meaningfully earlier, OK, but if the jolt and the phone panic arrive together, does it sharply divide peoples attention at the exact wrong moment?
April 14, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Not sure that we want people experiencing an earthquake to be tempted to play around with their phone in those critical moments. If the alert arrived meaningfully earlier, OK, but if the jolt and the phone panic arrive together, does it sharply divide peoples attention at the exact wrong moment?
Reposted by Seth Hall
This protest zine was made by a student in the Grossmont Union High School District and passed out at the board meeting on Tuesday.
The kids are going to be alright.
The kids are going to be alright.
March 13, 2025 at 1:48 PM
This protest zine was made by a student in the Grossmont Union High School District and passed out at the board meeting on Tuesday.
The kids are going to be alright.
The kids are going to be alright.
Reposted by Seth Hall
Wowsers. San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava has docketed a vote next Tuesday to repeal the city’s ADU bonus program.
Earlier today, the item was to *rescind* the council’s repeal request in order to neutralize a Brown Act complaint.
Background: www.kpbs.org/news/local/2...
Earlier today, the item was to *rescind* the council’s repeal request in order to neutralize a Brown Act complaint.
Background: www.kpbs.org/news/local/2...
March 1, 2025 at 5:19 AM
Wowsers. San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava has docketed a vote next Tuesday to repeal the city’s ADU bonus program.
Earlier today, the item was to *rescind* the council’s repeal request in order to neutralize a Brown Act complaint.
Background: www.kpbs.org/news/local/2...
Earlier today, the item was to *rescind* the council’s repeal request in order to neutralize a Brown Act complaint.
Background: www.kpbs.org/news/local/2...
Reposted by Seth Hall
It's a perfect example of why we should hold the least amount of personal data as possible. You never know who will inherit an architecture of #surveillance. That's why the safest thing for democracy is never to build it (or to dismantle it if you've already built it).
February 9, 2025 at 8:53 PM
It's a perfect example of why we should hold the least amount of personal data as possible. You never know who will inherit an architecture of #surveillance. That's why the safest thing for democracy is never to build it (or to dismantle it if you've already built it).