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Indybay Feature
Skateboarding is Not a Crime
Two brothers, arrested at Fresno City College on September 25, 2009, are still in the Fresno County Jail for an incident involving a skateboard. Demone Moultrie will soon be transferred to Chino State Prison. His brother Greg is in solitary confinement.
Skateboarding is Not a Crime
By Mike Rhodes
Does your right to carry a skateboard vanish into thin air when you step onto the Fresno City College campus? Ask Greg and Demone Moultrie, who are still sitting in the Fresno County Jail, what they think. According to witnesses, Greg Moultrie was walking on campus with his skateboard in his hands on September 25, 2009 when he was stopped by a campus police officer. The officer ordered Moultrie to hand over his skateboard. When he did not want to comply with what he felt was an unreasonable request, the incident escalated and Demone Moultrie, Greg’s brother, got involved. As officers scuffled with the Moultries, a student at the Native American Intertribal Student Association table got on the group’s PA system and encouraged students to use their cell phones to film the incident.
In video on the Internet < http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7033613 >, you can see the chaotic scene, including one of the officers hitting Demone with his baton. Greg was sprayed with mace. Greg is now—more than three months after this incident—still sitting in the Fresno County Jail. He has just been given a 3 year sentence for charges filed against him in the skateboarding incident. When I went to visit Demone on December 22, Greg was in The Hole - solitary confinement. Demone is also still in jail and is scheduled to be sent to Chino State Prison on January 21, all because of this skateboarding incident. How could something as simple as walking across the FCC campus with a skateboard end up with two young men in jail for a prolonged period of time?
In an attempt to find out the answer to this question, I talked to students at FCC and contacted the Public Information Office. I received a response from Joseph Callahan, Chief of Police with the State Center Community College District who defended their “skateboarding is a crime” policy by stating that “once skateboards get away from their owner, they are little more than missiles capable of great harm.”
Just before school let out for winter break, I talked to JP, who was sitting on a bench next to the fountain where the incident had occurred. He had his skateboard with him. I asked if he had ever had any trouble with the police, and he told me about two incidents when he had his skateboard confiscated. “They took my skateboard when I was on the sidewalk on the McKinley side of the campus, and I had to pay $16 to get it back.”
Callahan says that if the fine is not paid within twenty-one days it doubles. He went on to say that “skateboards that are not claimed will be held for ninety days. After ninety days a letter will be mailed to the owner advising them that if they do not come in and pick up their property within thirty days, it will be transferred to the Director of Maintenance and Operations for auction.” That might explain why the police have a more than causal interest in confiscating skateboards, whether or not students are in violation of any rules.
Rigo Garcia is a member of the Sustainable Action Club at FCC. He said that “after the skateboarding incident in September, we tried to hold a forum on campus to discuss the incident.” Even though the club is a campus group, the school administration refused to allow them to use a building for the forum, in part because “they said we are an environmental group and that this issue didn’t have anything to do with the environment.” Garcia said that Sustainable Action is a social and economic justice group and that they should be able to discuss issues of concern on the campus. He feels the refusal by the FCC administration to allow them to use a room to discuss this issue was a violation of their free speech rights.
The FCC administration, immediately following the September 25 incident, banned campus groups from setting up tables near the fountain. Garcia said they claimed that it was a “security concern” because emergency vehicles would have a hard time getting on campus with student tables in the fountain area, but it is commonly understood at FCC that the ban was in response to the student group that got on the PA system, announced that the police were attacking students and asked if someone could turn on their cell phone and video the incident. The December 2 FCC Rampage (the student newspaper) had an in-depth story connecting the ban on tables at the fountain and the skateboarding incident.
“FCC has a new video surveillance system with a camera focused on the fountain, but they are telling us that somehow that camera was not working on September 25,” Garcia said. The missing video could have shown what happened before the police confronted, hit and arrested Greg and Demone Moultrie. Instead, what you have is missing video that would have given insight into the incident and the FCC administration retaliating against student groups because they encouraged fellow students to document the incident. In addition, they tried to prevent students from discussing the incident by refusing to allow Sustainable Action to hold a forum on the incident. What is it about academic freedom that the FCC administration doesn’t understand?
Garcia has a theory about why the FCC police behave the way they do. He says that when officers in the notoriously aggressive Fresno Police Department get into trouble, they end up with the FCC campus police. That could explain the culture at the FCC campus police, but it does not explain why the FCC administration allows these violations of basic constitutional rights to continue. If these violations continue, it is only a matter of time before an organization such as the American Civil Liberties Union becomes involved and files a lawsuit, resulting in a huge settlement or judgment against the college.
By Mike Rhodes
Does your right to carry a skateboard vanish into thin air when you step onto the Fresno City College campus? Ask Greg and Demone Moultrie, who are still sitting in the Fresno County Jail, what they think. According to witnesses, Greg Moultrie was walking on campus with his skateboard in his hands on September 25, 2009 when he was stopped by a campus police officer. The officer ordered Moultrie to hand over his skateboard. When he did not want to comply with what he felt was an unreasonable request, the incident escalated and Demone Moultrie, Greg’s brother, got involved. As officers scuffled with the Moultries, a student at the Native American Intertribal Student Association table got on the group’s PA system and encouraged students to use their cell phones to film the incident.
In video on the Internet < http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7033613 >, you can see the chaotic scene, including one of the officers hitting Demone with his baton. Greg was sprayed with mace. Greg is now—more than three months after this incident—still sitting in the Fresno County Jail. He has just been given a 3 year sentence for charges filed against him in the skateboarding incident. When I went to visit Demone on December 22, Greg was in The Hole - solitary confinement. Demone is also still in jail and is scheduled to be sent to Chino State Prison on January 21, all because of this skateboarding incident. How could something as simple as walking across the FCC campus with a skateboard end up with two young men in jail for a prolonged period of time?
In an attempt to find out the answer to this question, I talked to students at FCC and contacted the Public Information Office. I received a response from Joseph Callahan, Chief of Police with the State Center Community College District who defended their “skateboarding is a crime” policy by stating that “once skateboards get away from their owner, they are little more than missiles capable of great harm.”
Just before school let out for winter break, I talked to JP, who was sitting on a bench next to the fountain where the incident had occurred. He had his skateboard with him. I asked if he had ever had any trouble with the police, and he told me about two incidents when he had his skateboard confiscated. “They took my skateboard when I was on the sidewalk on the McKinley side of the campus, and I had to pay $16 to get it back.”
Callahan says that if the fine is not paid within twenty-one days it doubles. He went on to say that “skateboards that are not claimed will be held for ninety days. After ninety days a letter will be mailed to the owner advising them that if they do not come in and pick up their property within thirty days, it will be transferred to the Director of Maintenance and Operations for auction.” That might explain why the police have a more than causal interest in confiscating skateboards, whether or not students are in violation of any rules.
Rigo Garcia is a member of the Sustainable Action Club at FCC. He said that “after the skateboarding incident in September, we tried to hold a forum on campus to discuss the incident.” Even though the club is a campus group, the school administration refused to allow them to use a building for the forum, in part because “they said we are an environmental group and that this issue didn’t have anything to do with the environment.” Garcia said that Sustainable Action is a social and economic justice group and that they should be able to discuss issues of concern on the campus. He feels the refusal by the FCC administration to allow them to use a room to discuss this issue was a violation of their free speech rights.
The FCC administration, immediately following the September 25 incident, banned campus groups from setting up tables near the fountain. Garcia said they claimed that it was a “security concern” because emergency vehicles would have a hard time getting on campus with student tables in the fountain area, but it is commonly understood at FCC that the ban was in response to the student group that got on the PA system, announced that the police were attacking students and asked if someone could turn on their cell phone and video the incident. The December 2 FCC Rampage (the student newspaper) had an in-depth story connecting the ban on tables at the fountain and the skateboarding incident.
“FCC has a new video surveillance system with a camera focused on the fountain, but they are telling us that somehow that camera was not working on September 25,” Garcia said. The missing video could have shown what happened before the police confronted, hit and arrested Greg and Demone Moultrie. Instead, what you have is missing video that would have given insight into the incident and the FCC administration retaliating against student groups because they encouraged fellow students to document the incident. In addition, they tried to prevent students from discussing the incident by refusing to allow Sustainable Action to hold a forum on the incident. What is it about academic freedom that the FCC administration doesn’t understand?
Garcia has a theory about why the FCC police behave the way they do. He says that when officers in the notoriously aggressive Fresno Police Department get into trouble, they end up with the FCC campus police. That could explain the culture at the FCC campus police, but it does not explain why the FCC administration allows these violations of basic constitutional rights to continue. If these violations continue, it is only a matter of time before an organization such as the American Civil Liberties Union becomes involved and files a lawsuit, resulting in a huge settlement or judgment against the college.
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so Greg and Demone are in jail and Greg got a 3 yr. sentence? Were they convicted? Did they take a plea deal? Where's their legal support (lawyer, etc.) in all this? This sentence sounds ridiculous..
is there any way we can help? are they going to get another lawyer to try and overturn this b.s. conviction?
is there any way we can help? are they going to get another lawyer to try and overturn this b.s. conviction?
So the next time the campus rent a cops tries to steal your board call 911 and say a man with a gun is trying to steal your skateboard.
Those are good questions. I know that both Demone and Greg were either on parole or probation. Therefore, they were in a much more vulnerable position from the start. Demone was on parole when he was arrested in the skateboard incident. The incident violated his parole and that is why he is being sent back to Wasco. He did have an attorney, which I think was court appointed. The attorney struck a deal with the DA’s office to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor (from a felony) and Demone is serving time in the Fresno County Jail on that charge - he will finish serving his time on that charge on Jan 21 and then be sent to Chino to finish whatever sentence he was on parole for.
His brother Greg was charged with “DETERRING OFFICER BY THREAT/VIOLENCE.” That is what he was sentenced to three years for. Demone said his brother struggled with the officer after he was maced and arrested. He had a public defender.
I think the crime (if you can call walking on campus with a skateboard a crime) does not fit the punishment. I don’t see how the Moultrie brothers or society are going to benefit from incarcerating them for years. Instead, I think an investigation into the Fresno City College police is in order. What is up with their taking skateboards from students and making them pay to get them back? Where does that money go? It better not be their donut fund.
It is outrageous that the incident on September 25 is being used to send these two young guys to prison. I get that law enforcement uses parole and probation as a social control and leverage over people. But, taking a student’s skateboard, which you hold for ransom, and escalating the incident to this point is ridiculous. This episode is a good example of a fundamentally flawed system that is being used to keep the Prison Industrial Complex filled with victims - in this case two victims who had committed no crime. The crime occurred when Greg had his skateboard taken away and the campus police unnecessarily escalated the situation.
If any court action was called for, it would have been to get to the bottom of why these officers are so poorly trained that any of this happened in the first place.
His brother Greg was charged with “DETERRING OFFICER BY THREAT/VIOLENCE.” That is what he was sentenced to three years for. Demone said his brother struggled with the officer after he was maced and arrested. He had a public defender.
I think the crime (if you can call walking on campus with a skateboard a crime) does not fit the punishment. I don’t see how the Moultrie brothers or society are going to benefit from incarcerating them for years. Instead, I think an investigation into the Fresno City College police is in order. What is up with their taking skateboards from students and making them pay to get them back? Where does that money go? It better not be their donut fund.
It is outrageous that the incident on September 25 is being used to send these two young guys to prison. I get that law enforcement uses parole and probation as a social control and leverage over people. But, taking a student’s skateboard, which you hold for ransom, and escalating the incident to this point is ridiculous. This episode is a good example of a fundamentally flawed system that is being used to keep the Prison Industrial Complex filled with victims - in this case two victims who had committed no crime. The crime occurred when Greg had his skateboard taken away and the campus police unnecessarily escalated the situation.
If any court action was called for, it would have been to get to the bottom of why these officers are so poorly trained that any of this happened in the first place.
I don't know what the deal is at FCC, but at MJC the campus just has security guards (rent-a-cops) that have next-to-no ability to detain you or do anything really. Their main goal is to ID you, and their only power to force you to comply is that as a student at MJC you're supposed to.
This is ridiculous! FCC Rise Up! Go Occupy a building and demand that the pigs leave campus for good!
This is ridiculous! FCC Rise Up! Go Occupy a building and demand that the pigs leave campus for good!
Wheres the lawyers there? If a premise exhibits phoney cameras or non working cameras, and an incident takes place, victims can and have successfully sued for the false feeling of security provided by those non working cameras. Go ask any knowledgable person in the business. Call Pelco...
I hear from a comrade of a comrade that ACLU of Northern California's Fresno Chapter is aware of the situation with the Moultries. So one idea would be to pressure the Fresno Chapter to intervene in some way.
There may be issues that can be raised on appeal as to the brothers' sentences.
Fresno's skateboarding laws, and/or the practices and policies of the campus "security" forces, may also be prone to attack.
And what about Fresno State's response to the episode, in imposing a rule to restrict students' speech rights? All because a campus organization did the right thing and intervened on Demone's behalf? These student should be commended!
I don't know if the Fresno Chapter has a Police Practices division, but simonaclu [at] sbcglobal.net seems to be the e-mail address at which the Chapter can be reached (see http://www.aclunc.org/action/chapters/greater_fresno_chapter.shtml).
ACLU of Northern California does have a Police Practices division, but no e-mail address appears at their website.The press contact for ACLU/No Cal is rfarmer [at] aclunc.org.The main phone no. is 415.621.2493.
What happened to Demone and Greg Moultrie is all the more maddening because diverse bystanders witnessed the incident and were apparently willing to step up on the brothers' behalf (judging from the TV news clip). Yet, it seems that there was no organized effort to follow through....
There may be issues that can be raised on appeal as to the brothers' sentences.
Fresno's skateboarding laws, and/or the practices and policies of the campus "security" forces, may also be prone to attack.
And what about Fresno State's response to the episode, in imposing a rule to restrict students' speech rights? All because a campus organization did the right thing and intervened on Demone's behalf? These student should be commended!
I don't know if the Fresno Chapter has a Police Practices division, but simonaclu [at] sbcglobal.net seems to be the e-mail address at which the Chapter can be reached (see http://www.aclunc.org/action/chapters/greater_fresno_chapter.shtml).
ACLU of Northern California does have a Police Practices division, but no e-mail address appears at their website.The press contact for ACLU/No Cal is rfarmer [at] aclunc.org.The main phone no. is 415.621.2493.
What happened to Demone and Greg Moultrie is all the more maddening because diverse bystanders witnessed the incident and were apparently willing to step up on the brothers' behalf (judging from the TV news clip). Yet, it seems that there was no organized effort to follow through....
First off, the FCC cops are full-fledged police officers, with full police powers as outlined in the Penal and Education Codes. The agency was created in the 1960s as a low-keyed two-person department (they didn't wear uniforms). To a certain extent, they have been an agency in search of a mission. In the 1970s, the local judges cracked down on their "over-charging" where a $20 speeding ticket became reckless driving, all sorts of equipment violations, etc.
As for skateboarders, both FCC and Fresno State have a love-hate relationship with them. Both campuses view them as a safety hazard and vandals. In the case of Fresno State, they're tolerated during class times, but not after hours and on the weekends--especially non-student boarders. Teenaged skaters are usually detained and their parents called. Skaters are also banned from campus for 72 hours--which makes them liable to arrest if they come back sooner.
As for skateboarders, both FCC and Fresno State have a love-hate relationship with them. Both campuses view them as a safety hazard and vandals. In the case of Fresno State, they're tolerated during class times, but not after hours and on the weekends--especially non-student boarders. Teenaged skaters are usually detained and their parents called. Skaters are also banned from campus for 72 hours--which makes them liable to arrest if they come back sooner.
This is terrible. There was so much support for these guys on campus, how did they get no support through their trial? Something has to be done to change this.
Unfortunately, the Fresno chapter of the ACLU doesn't do much, especially around police brutality issues. Its too bad, Fresno really needs a decent ACLU chapter.
Unfortunately, the Fresno chapter of the ACLU doesn't do much, especially around police brutality issues. Its too bad, Fresno really needs a decent ACLU chapter.
From reading the Rampage piece, support pretty well dried up when: the student clubs got penalized because a club officer got on the PA and started yelling "police brutality" and for students to video what was happening with their cellphones; and when people found out both these guys were felons, and one was a non-student.
The Rampage story made it clear this is viewed by the administration and by the Associated Students Government as a campus safety issue. The Native American student group is viewed by both groups as having almost incited a riot.
It's going to be interesting if FCC Pride Day happens in the spring. The ASG president is a Russian emige. Russians are violently anti-queer. Just ask the queer community in Sacramento about all the violence coming out of the Russian community there.
The Rampage story made it clear this is viewed by the administration and by the Associated Students Government as a campus safety issue. The Native American student group is viewed by both groups as having almost incited a riot.
It's going to be interesting if FCC Pride Day happens in the spring. The ASG president is a Russian emige. Russians are violently anti-queer. Just ask the queer community in Sacramento about all the violence coming out of the Russian community there.
who wrote: "From reading the Rampage piece, support pretty well dried up when: the student clubs got penalized because a club officer got on the PA and started yelling "police brutality" and for students to video what was happening with their cellphones; and when people found out both these guys were felons, and one was a non-student."
The article that "Dan" apparently refers to is available at http://media.http://www.fresnocitycollegerampage.com/media/storage/paper1236/news/2009/12/02/News/Fountain.Ban.Modified-3843162.shtml
Funny, I interpretted the article differently.
In fact, I saw nothing in the article to suggest that support dried up "when student clubs got penalized because a club officer got on the PA and started yelling 'police brutality' and when people found out both these guys were felons...."
What the article DOES state is:
"DETAILS RELEASED BY CAMPUS POLICE [emphasis added] show that only one of the two cousins arrested by the police on that day was an actual student at FCC, and both have extensive criminal records." [Whatever the heck that means, coming from the cops themselves. In actuality, it could mean that both brothers have extensive records of being racially profiled and jacked up for petty infractions or bogus misdemeanors.]
The article also states that "[t]he COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION RAISED [emphasis supplied] the larger concerns regarding brutality accusations, student safety, and ability of law enforcement officials to deal with possible safety risks like non-student criminals. They also expressed concerns for campus police in tense situations such as the one on Sept. 25 as they attempt to keep a crowd under control while a student incites the crowd with accusations of police brutality." (Which is exactly what one would expect administration officials to say.)
The article in the meantime LACKS any comments from the bystanders who directly witnessed the cops' actions and responded in alarm.
The article that "Dan" apparently refers to is available at http://media.http://www.fresnocitycollegerampage.com/media/storage/paper1236/news/2009/12/02/News/Fountain.Ban.Modified-3843162.shtml
Funny, I interpretted the article differently.
In fact, I saw nothing in the article to suggest that support dried up "when student clubs got penalized because a club officer got on the PA and started yelling 'police brutality' and when people found out both these guys were felons...."
What the article DOES state is:
"DETAILS RELEASED BY CAMPUS POLICE [emphasis added] show that only one of the two cousins arrested by the police on that day was an actual student at FCC, and both have extensive criminal records." [Whatever the heck that means, coming from the cops themselves. In actuality, it could mean that both brothers have extensive records of being racially profiled and jacked up for petty infractions or bogus misdemeanors.]
The article also states that "[t]he COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION RAISED [emphasis supplied] the larger concerns regarding brutality accusations, student safety, and ability of law enforcement officials to deal with possible safety risks like non-student criminals. They also expressed concerns for campus police in tense situations such as the one on Sept. 25 as they attempt to keep a crowd under control while a student incites the crowd with accusations of police brutality." (Which is exactly what one would expect administration officials to say.)
The article in the meantime LACKS any comments from the bystanders who directly witnessed the cops' actions and responded in alarm.
Kim, my comments were based upon my reading of the article and many, many years spent on both the FCC and Fresno State campuses. Yes, it is interpretation, but it is an informed view.
First of all, the student clubs were penalized. They lost their ability to have activities in a high-traffic area of campus. And, new restrictions have been placed on them (e.g. the club advisor must be present at all times during events). And, generally there is scant sympathy in Fresno for felons--don't forget, this community is the birthplace of 3 Strikes. Truth is, mainstream Fresno students aren't going to support a pair of ex-felons, regardless of the circumstances. This isn't the Bay Area.
It is very clear from the remarks made by school administrators that they see some clubs (or members) as a potential problem. Given the past history of student-police confrontations on campus (which has been reported on IndyBay and in the Community Alliance newspaper), I'm not shocked (just disappointed) the administration reacted the way they did.
First of all, the student clubs were penalized. They lost their ability to have activities in a high-traffic area of campus. And, new restrictions have been placed on them (e.g. the club advisor must be present at all times during events). And, generally there is scant sympathy in Fresno for felons--don't forget, this community is the birthplace of 3 Strikes. Truth is, mainstream Fresno students aren't going to support a pair of ex-felons, regardless of the circumstances. This isn't the Bay Area.
It is very clear from the remarks made by school administrators that they see some clubs (or members) as a potential problem. Given the past history of student-police confrontations on campus (which has been reported on IndyBay and in the Community Alliance newspaper), I'm not shocked (just disappointed) the administration reacted the way they did.
The solution is easy. Unenroll from the school. This school doesn't sound like a place I'd want to be at. The administrators need you, more than you need them. A mass unenrollment would send a message.
Dan,
Why did you feel the need to personally attack the Student Body President? You make a generalized statement about Russians being anti-queer and assume that just because he's from Russia he must also be anti-queer. Your statment was out of line.
Why did you feel the need to personally attack the Student Body President? You make a generalized statement about Russians being anti-queer and assume that just because he's from Russia he must also be anti-queer. Your statment was out of line.
Someone--sorry I upset you. The Russians in Sacramento have been violent towards queers. They have: (1) openly said queers must be murdered; (2) physically assaulted people at LGBT communty events; (3) murdered a man at a Sacramento-area park because they thought he was queer; (4) used student government at American River College to impose their belief system upon others. I have good reason to be concerned about the future for LGBT students and events at Fresno City College.
These folks are religious refugees from the old USSR who came to this country with the literal belief that we are a Christian state, a theocracy. Much to their distress, they discovered the propaganda they had been fed wasn't exactly true. They've become the shock troops for the haters.
These folks are religious refugees from the old USSR who came to this country with the literal belief that we are a Christian state, a theocracy. Much to their distress, they discovered the propaganda they had been fed wasn't exactly true. They've become the shock troops for the haters.
Your remarks in responsive to my remarks were entirely unresponsive.
And why do you keep insisting on referring to the brothers as "felons"?
You spent many years on both the FCC and Fresno State campuses? In what capacity, dare I ask?
Btw, I, too, take offense off your insinuations against Russians.
To be blunt, I distrust you and your motivations and wouldn't be surprised if you were a clever cop.
And why do you keep insisting on referring to the brothers as "felons"?
You spent many years on both the FCC and Fresno State campuses? In what capacity, dare I ask?
Btw, I, too, take offense off your insinuations against Russians.
To be blunt, I distrust you and your motivations and wouldn't be surprised if you were a clever cop.
Distrust all you want....
I refer to the brothers as "felons" because they have felony records, according to the Rampage (and Mike's report).
As for the Russians, may I suggest that you log onto the Sacramento Bee website and do a search for "Sacramento Russians and gays", "American River College", or "Sacramento hate crimes". Or just do a Google search using the same criteria. You may not like what you discover. I also refer you to the HateWatch article "The Latvian Connection" which is available on the Southern Poverty Law Center website. In short Kim, your lack of knowlege on this subject really is appaent.
I refer to the brothers as "felons" because they have felony records, according to the Rampage (and Mike's report).
As for the Russians, may I suggest that you log onto the Sacramento Bee website and do a search for "Sacramento Russians and gays", "American River College", or "Sacramento hate crimes". Or just do a Google search using the same criteria. You may not like what you discover. I also refer you to the HateWatch article "The Latvian Connection" which is available on the Southern Poverty Law Center website. In short Kim, your lack of knowlege on this subject really is appaent.
Discrediting the victim is a technique used in Fresno (and probably other places as well) that law enforcement agencies engage in after an incident, like the one being discussed here. Shortly after Demone and Greg were arrested the media started reporting that they were felons with an extensive criminal background and that alcohol was involved. The Rampage, which is the FCC newspaper in their Dec 2 edition, reported “details released by campus police show that only one of the two cousins arrested by the police on that day was an actual student at FCC, and that both have extensive criminal records. Additionally, Moultrie was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the arrest.”
First of all, Demone told me he and Greg are brothers, not cousins. I asked him about the drinking and he said they had not been drinking. I don’t know about their past encounters with law enforcement, but what I do know is that this is how local law enforcement works here in Fresno. When there is an incident that is likely to be controversial, they get out in front of it by discrediting the victim.
Another example of this is the Glen Beaty case here in Fresno. You may recall that Glen was the homeless man who was beaten up by Fresno police. The really unique thing about this case was that it was captured on video tape. You can see more here: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/06/10/18601228.php
and here:
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/02/10/18569420.php
After this incident, the Fresno mayor and police chief held a press conference and told the community that an independent investigation would take place. Police chief Jerry Dyer said that his information showed that Glen was mentally ill, he had a criminal background, and that he had attacked the officers. The affect of discrediting the victim is that people who hear that story, coming by people like the police chief, think that the victim deserved what they got. By the way, the investigation promised by the mayor and police chief never happened and the District Attorney’s office never filed charges against Glen in that case. Glen is however, still in custody, but that is another story.
One of the officers involved in the Glen Beaty incident went on to shoot and kill a man who had a mental health incident. This happened a couple of months ago. The other officer has been promoted. Neither has been charged in Glen’s beating.
Another recent example of this behavior was when Dyer held a press conference after Fresno police officers killed 32 year old Steven Vargas of Fresno. Vargas was involved in a car accident on McKinley avenue in central Fresno. An officer arrived on the scene and ordered Vargas out of his car. When he refused, the officer opened fire killing Vargas. No weapon was found in Vargas’s possession.
But that did not stop Dyer from saying Vargas was armed, that he was on parole, and possibly had a warrant out for his arrest. None of that was true! But, people see this on the evening news and in the Fresno Bee the next day and they start to blame the victim. It is a public relations trick used over and over again by law enforcement to put the focus on the victim and away from the police. It is a form of psychological warfare being waged in this struggle for the hearts and minds of Fresnans to convince us that every police action is justified.
Regarding Dan - he is not a cop. I know Dan and I can tell you that he is a good writer, he does his research, and is active in the local LGBTQ community. So, lets drop the narrative that says you wouldn't be surprised if Dan was a clever cop. He is not.
First of all, Demone told me he and Greg are brothers, not cousins. I asked him about the drinking and he said they had not been drinking. I don’t know about their past encounters with law enforcement, but what I do know is that this is how local law enforcement works here in Fresno. When there is an incident that is likely to be controversial, they get out in front of it by discrediting the victim.
Another example of this is the Glen Beaty case here in Fresno. You may recall that Glen was the homeless man who was beaten up by Fresno police. The really unique thing about this case was that it was captured on video tape. You can see more here: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/06/10/18601228.php
and here:
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/02/10/18569420.php
After this incident, the Fresno mayor and police chief held a press conference and told the community that an independent investigation would take place. Police chief Jerry Dyer said that his information showed that Glen was mentally ill, he had a criminal background, and that he had attacked the officers. The affect of discrediting the victim is that people who hear that story, coming by people like the police chief, think that the victim deserved what they got. By the way, the investigation promised by the mayor and police chief never happened and the District Attorney’s office never filed charges against Glen in that case. Glen is however, still in custody, but that is another story.
One of the officers involved in the Glen Beaty incident went on to shoot and kill a man who had a mental health incident. This happened a couple of months ago. The other officer has been promoted. Neither has been charged in Glen’s beating.
Another recent example of this behavior was when Dyer held a press conference after Fresno police officers killed 32 year old Steven Vargas of Fresno. Vargas was involved in a car accident on McKinley avenue in central Fresno. An officer arrived on the scene and ordered Vargas out of his car. When he refused, the officer opened fire killing Vargas. No weapon was found in Vargas’s possession.
But that did not stop Dyer from saying Vargas was armed, that he was on parole, and possibly had a warrant out for his arrest. None of that was true! But, people see this on the evening news and in the Fresno Bee the next day and they start to blame the victim. It is a public relations trick used over and over again by law enforcement to put the focus on the victim and away from the police. It is a form of psychological warfare being waged in this struggle for the hearts and minds of Fresnans to convince us that every police action is justified.
Regarding Dan - he is not a cop. I know Dan and I can tell you that he is a good writer, he does his research, and is active in the local LGBTQ community. So, lets drop the narrative that says you wouldn't be surprised if Dan was a clever cop. He is not.
Sent to: cynthia.azari [at] fresnocitycollege.edu
Hello,
I would like to take the time to register my feelings about the arrest of the young men during the skateboard incident. While I do not go to your institution, I can say that if I were thinking about going back to college, I would NEVER, EVER consider your "fine" institution as a place to get an education. The police on your campus should be fired at the least, and hopefully shot instead. While I do not support the actions of the young man who refused to turn his skateboard over (which I think is ridiculous in the first place; carrying a skateboard is different than riding it around,) the actions of these "fine gentleman" were not justifiable. I have worked in social services for many, many years and was taught Mandt and Non-violent Crisis Intervention as the means by which to deal with potentially violent situations and it is obvious that these officers have never had any training on how to deal with people; especially people who are not violent criminals. This is an outrage and could easily have been prevented had the police officers not been such gung ho cowboys determined to exert their authority no matter what and had training on how to deal with people in ways that do not include violence.
I am also concerned that an institution of higher learning would not allow the students to have a community forum for discussions regarding this incident and to allow their views to be heard. The fact that the administration has not taken a progressive stance and has acted in a manner more akin to Nazi Germany is highly unsettling (are you there for the students or to protect your police force?) The additional fact that the video of this incident "disappeared" is even more unsettling. You are teaching our young to hate authority and to not believe in our democracy. When you disempower the young of this country and do not allow them to express their views, you only teach that the way to get things done is through violence (much like your police force.) Thanks for making the future of this country even better (note the sarcasm.)
Again, I would NEVER, EVER consider FCC as a place to get an education (other than to learn how repressive even schools can be.) Reminds me of Kent State.
Thank you, K.
Hello,
I would like to take the time to register my feelings about the arrest of the young men during the skateboard incident. While I do not go to your institution, I can say that if I were thinking about going back to college, I would NEVER, EVER consider your "fine" institution as a place to get an education. The police on your campus should be fired at the least, and hopefully shot instead. While I do not support the actions of the young man who refused to turn his skateboard over (which I think is ridiculous in the first place; carrying a skateboard is different than riding it around,) the actions of these "fine gentleman" were not justifiable. I have worked in social services for many, many years and was taught Mandt and Non-violent Crisis Intervention as the means by which to deal with potentially violent situations and it is obvious that these officers have never had any training on how to deal with people; especially people who are not violent criminals. This is an outrage and could easily have been prevented had the police officers not been such gung ho cowboys determined to exert their authority no matter what and had training on how to deal with people in ways that do not include violence.
I am also concerned that an institution of higher learning would not allow the students to have a community forum for discussions regarding this incident and to allow their views to be heard. The fact that the administration has not taken a progressive stance and has acted in a manner more akin to Nazi Germany is highly unsettling (are you there for the students or to protect your police force?) The additional fact that the video of this incident "disappeared" is even more unsettling. You are teaching our young to hate authority and to not believe in our democracy. When you disempower the young of this country and do not allow them to express their views, you only teach that the way to get things done is through violence (much like your police force.) Thanks for making the future of this country even better (note the sarcasm.)
Again, I would NEVER, EVER consider FCC as a place to get an education (other than to learn how repressive even schools can be.) Reminds me of Kent State.
Thank you, K.
Dan...
Regarding your use of the word "felons:"
The only thing reported in the Rampage, once again, is that "DETAILS RELEASED BY CAMPUS POLICE [emphasis added] show that ... both have extensive criminal records." (Whatever the heck that means -- as I remarked in an earlier posting.)
As far as Mike's report is concerned: Mike reports that Demone was CHARGED with a felony that was bounced down to a misdeamor. Thus, Demone was not convicted of a felony, according to Mike, nor is he a felon.
Nor does being charged with a felony in any way equate with being guilty of a felony.
Nor does Mike report that Greg is a felon. Granted, a person who knows a little bit about criminal law, might infer that a person who was sentenced to three years either took a plea or was convicted of a felony...but none of this makes a rat's arse worth of difference to me. "Felon" is a loaded word -- a word that's is typically used to cast a shadow upon the characters of those who are described as such. Yet, for whatever reason, you choose to use it.
As far as your characterization of Russians as "violently anti-queer" is concerned:
I have to acknowledge that am not in touch with the queer community in Fresno, nor have I researched the situation that you have described (beyond doing a few google searches after reading your last message). But I do have a problem with the general proposition that "Russians are violently anti-queer."
Regarding your use of the word "felons:"
The only thing reported in the Rampage, once again, is that "DETAILS RELEASED BY CAMPUS POLICE [emphasis added] show that ... both have extensive criminal records." (Whatever the heck that means -- as I remarked in an earlier posting.)
As far as Mike's report is concerned: Mike reports that Demone was CHARGED with a felony that was bounced down to a misdeamor. Thus, Demone was not convicted of a felony, according to Mike, nor is he a felon.
Nor does being charged with a felony in any way equate with being guilty of a felony.
Nor does Mike report that Greg is a felon. Granted, a person who knows a little bit about criminal law, might infer that a person who was sentenced to three years either took a plea or was convicted of a felony...but none of this makes a rat's arse worth of difference to me. "Felon" is a loaded word -- a word that's is typically used to cast a shadow upon the characters of those who are described as such. Yet, for whatever reason, you choose to use it.
As far as your characterization of Russians as "violently anti-queer" is concerned:
I have to acknowledge that am not in touch with the queer community in Fresno, nor have I researched the situation that you have described (beyond doing a few google searches after reading your last message). But I do have a problem with the general proposition that "Russians are violently anti-queer."
I very much appreciate the general thrust of your latest and earlier remarks, and thank you for informing many us of the situation with the Moultries in the first place. In regard to Dan, I'm sure he is capable of responding for himself.
...and an e-mail address.
To clarify (and I quote from Mike Rhodes' response to a comment made by "Josh" earlier in this thread: "Those are good questions. I know that both Demone and Greg were either on parole or probation. Therefore, they were in a much more vulnerable position from the start. Demone was on parole when he was arrested in the skateboard incident. The incident violated his parole and that is why he is being sent back to Wasco. He did have an attorney, which I think was court appointed. The attorney struck a deal with the DA’s office to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor (from a felony) and Demone is serving time in the Fresno County Jail on that charge - he will finish serving his time on that charge on Jan 21 and then be sent to Chino to finish whatever sentence he was on parole for. His brother Greg was charged with “DETERRING OFFICER BY THREAT/VIOLENCE.” That is what he was sentenced to three years for. Demone said his brother struggled with the officer after he was maced and arrested. He had a public defender."
That along with the Rampage coverage you mention was the basis for my use of the word "felon." I chose to use it because it is a fact. Given Fresno's reputation as a "law and order" community, that fact may explain why there has not been a widespread outcry about what happened. The popular view in our community is that anyone with a criminal record should be given short shrift.
As for Russians, you're entitled to believe whatever you chose to. The Russian community that has established itself in California and the Pacific Northwest is very worrisome to the LGBT community.
With all that said, I think the best that can be said is that we disagree on a lot of things. I'm generally moderate on social issues and conservative on fiscal matters. Some of my best friends over the years have been cops, firefighters and EMS folks (I worked for awhile in EMS). I tend to see things with my eyes wide open, and call a spade a spade, not a shovel.
Anyhow, have a good 2010!!
That along with the Rampage coverage you mention was the basis for my use of the word "felon." I chose to use it because it is a fact. Given Fresno's reputation as a "law and order" community, that fact may explain why there has not been a widespread outcry about what happened. The popular view in our community is that anyone with a criminal record should be given short shrift.
As for Russians, you're entitled to believe whatever you chose to. The Russian community that has established itself in California and the Pacific Northwest is very worrisome to the LGBT community.
With all that said, I think the best that can be said is that we disagree on a lot of things. I'm generally moderate on social issues and conservative on fiscal matters. Some of my best friends over the years have been cops, firefighters and EMS folks (I worked for awhile in EMS). I tend to see things with my eyes wide open, and call a spade a spade, not a shovel.
Anyhow, have a good 2010!!
Response from Joseph Callahan. “once skateboards get away from their owner, they are little more than missiles capable of great harm.”
Response from Terry Wagar. "Once a Government stops recognizing People's property rights they become an enemy to Freedom and Liberty and become a danger to the People."
If those so called authority's tried to take property of mine without a warrent I would have bashed them over the head with it, my property cops mine mine mine you no take my property I don't mess with your property so you don't mess with mine! Period!
Sounds like authority's don't respect People's right to protect there property!
Without property Right's there are no Right's at all, just thieves in uniforms stealing People's property!
If I lived there I would be very tempted to buy a skateboard even though I'm not a skater and crippled and see if they think they can ignore my Rights to property!
If I was carrying my grandson's skateboard and some young punk in uniform demanded I surrender it to them they will be in for the shock of there stupid lives!
Response from Terry Wagar. "Once a Government stops recognizing People's property rights they become an enemy to Freedom and Liberty and become a danger to the People."
If those so called authority's tried to take property of mine without a warrent I would have bashed them over the head with it, my property cops mine mine mine you no take my property I don't mess with your property so you don't mess with mine! Period!
Sounds like authority's don't respect People's right to protect there property!
Without property Right's there are no Right's at all, just thieves in uniforms stealing People's property!
If I lived there I would be very tempted to buy a skateboard even though I'm not a skater and crippled and see if they think they can ignore my Rights to property!
If I was carrying my grandson's skateboard and some young punk in uniform demanded I surrender it to them they will be in for the shock of there stupid lives!
The deal with skateboards is this. One if they do get away from the owner they can cause harm to other around them. Two there are many that ride them that use FSU and FCC as places to do tricks which can cause vandalism to the property as well as injury to the person. Neither of these do the campuses want. Which is the campus is PROTECTING their property. To be fair to all, police officers are told to not allow the riding of them on campus, weather for transportation purposes or tricking. Since one usually goes with the other it’s a wide spread rule to not allow the riding of them on campus. There are signs posted in various locations on FCC stating that as well. Three skateboarding isn’t a crime as in a violation of the California Penal Code, it’s against school policies and as a student you agree to follow all school policies when you sign up for classes. Going to college isn’t a right. Also for everyone that says they were just carrying the skateboard, how many of you were there? Carrying one isn’t against the rules and I don’t think any officer would just walk up to someone with a skateboard just to take it from them.
Sustainable Action Club did try and hold a meeting on campus about the incident but what the failed to mention is they placed restrictions on who could join the discussion. For a group to request facilities for a forum using campus facilities yet state they do not want certain parties there (police officers) is a request that can not be followed. I doubt any officers would go but they are a part of the campus and have a right to be present in the area. I’m sure that was part of the reason as well.
In reply to the ban on groups near the fountain area is two fold. One is it does cause congestion for emergency vehicles not just police but fire and ambulance as well. When seconds can mean the difference this is logical. Two the statement about the person on the loud speaker yelling out police brutality when the officers are out numbered can cause a riot. It would have taken 2-3 more people to be come involved and out of control. THIS person in their actions ruined it for many. Like we say in the Marines “There’s always one"
Next if these people were on probation/parole why would they NOT follow the request of a police officer? They know as a part of their release they are to follow what police officers tell them more so then someone not on probation/parole. Even if no crime had been committed it can be reported to their parole officer that they were not charged with a crime had police contact and failed to comply with orders. Keep in mind to be placed on Parole you spent time in PRISON already and they are being released EARLY and as such some of your rights have been removed in trade and you don’t get sent to prison for unpaid parking tickets.
Also if one wasn’t even a student why was he on campus? Well over a month after classes had started. Someone on probation or parole on a campus with no lawful reason to be there failing to comply with the orders of not only campus personal but fully sworn police officers. Doesn’t sound like a model citizen to me
As for the rampage and their reporting skills, I have a friend that works there he was in the Rampage for going to Iraq. THEY GOT HIS FIRST NAME WRONG. Not misspelled but a whole name WRONG. How do they do an article on someone and get the first name completely wrong? He was the only name in the article. They fixed it and now only have his name misspelled.
For those that want police officers off the campus. Do any of you know how many registered sex offenders go to school? Gang members? Persons on probation/parole? Any idea how many gang fights have occurred on campus? It isn’t Fresno state where the cost of tuition keeps the student population to those dedicated to their schooling. Not only that, FCC is located in the center of Fresno. People come to school to hang out. Case in point one of the brothers not even being a student.
As for the general attacks on law enforcement, these people put their lives on the line every time the put on their uniform. Sure not every one of them are fair but for the few bad apples there are those that put up with the hate and distrust of society in order to serve and protect. The general rules of society are to comply with officers. Hindsight is 20/20 they say. Do the officers wish things had gone different? I’m sure they do. Do the brothers wish they had just complied rather then sit in jail/prison? I’m sure they do. But for everyone else that looks at this and says what should have been done I say put on the uniform and go do it. Run towards the gun shots. Fight with the guy strung out on PCP running into traffic. Deal with the parents that beat their child. Go deal with the worse of what people do to each other and then try to sleep at night.
Sustainable Action Club did try and hold a meeting on campus about the incident but what the failed to mention is they placed restrictions on who could join the discussion. For a group to request facilities for a forum using campus facilities yet state they do not want certain parties there (police officers) is a request that can not be followed. I doubt any officers would go but they are a part of the campus and have a right to be present in the area. I’m sure that was part of the reason as well.
In reply to the ban on groups near the fountain area is two fold. One is it does cause congestion for emergency vehicles not just police but fire and ambulance as well. When seconds can mean the difference this is logical. Two the statement about the person on the loud speaker yelling out police brutality when the officers are out numbered can cause a riot. It would have taken 2-3 more people to be come involved and out of control. THIS person in their actions ruined it for many. Like we say in the Marines “There’s always one"
Next if these people were on probation/parole why would they NOT follow the request of a police officer? They know as a part of their release they are to follow what police officers tell them more so then someone not on probation/parole. Even if no crime had been committed it can be reported to their parole officer that they were not charged with a crime had police contact and failed to comply with orders. Keep in mind to be placed on Parole you spent time in PRISON already and they are being released EARLY and as such some of your rights have been removed in trade and you don’t get sent to prison for unpaid parking tickets.
Also if one wasn’t even a student why was he on campus? Well over a month after classes had started. Someone on probation or parole on a campus with no lawful reason to be there failing to comply with the orders of not only campus personal but fully sworn police officers. Doesn’t sound like a model citizen to me
As for the rampage and their reporting skills, I have a friend that works there he was in the Rampage for going to Iraq. THEY GOT HIS FIRST NAME WRONG. Not misspelled but a whole name WRONG. How do they do an article on someone and get the first name completely wrong? He was the only name in the article. They fixed it and now only have his name misspelled.
For those that want police officers off the campus. Do any of you know how many registered sex offenders go to school? Gang members? Persons on probation/parole? Any idea how many gang fights have occurred on campus? It isn’t Fresno state where the cost of tuition keeps the student population to those dedicated to their schooling. Not only that, FCC is located in the center of Fresno. People come to school to hang out. Case in point one of the brothers not even being a student.
As for the general attacks on law enforcement, these people put their lives on the line every time the put on their uniform. Sure not every one of them are fair but for the few bad apples there are those that put up with the hate and distrust of society in order to serve and protect. The general rules of society are to comply with officers. Hindsight is 20/20 they say. Do the officers wish things had gone different? I’m sure they do. Do the brothers wish they had just complied rather then sit in jail/prison? I’m sure they do. But for everyone else that looks at this and says what should have been done I say put on the uniform and go do it. Run towards the gun shots. Fight with the guy strung out on PCP running into traffic. Deal with the parents that beat their child. Go deal with the worse of what people do to each other and then try to sleep at night.
I would love to see "60 MInutes " get involved with this story and see what happens. This is an outrage of justice. It spits in the face of how we are supposed to be treated in America. How is is that the Fresno Police department is no longer a proper member of the American legal system??? Has anyone even noticed that when police go astray that they always have a "justification-of actions" plan in place which "explains" their actions with "legalize" --which is actually just so much b.s.
Whatever happened to freedom?
Isn't it part of why this country was created?
If the guy was skating, okay, I see that they should have asked for the board.
However, no reason is given by the officer.
Seems like extortion to me.
Isn't it part of why this country was created?
If the guy was skating, okay, I see that they should have asked for the board.
However, no reason is given by the officer.
Seems like extortion to me.
Shut the fuck up and quit trying to act hellah hard. Your just a pussy who couldn't do anything in your life so you joined the Marines.
You say put on the uniform? How about you pick up a fucking skateboard and mind your own business. When you get harassed, possibly beaten by the pig, you'll understand what it's like skateboarding.
So until you do that, grow a pair of balls and learn to understand that pigs do take shit too far.
You say put on the uniform? How about you pick up a fucking skateboard and mind your own business. When you get harassed, possibly beaten by the pig, you'll understand what it's like skateboarding.
So until you do that, grow a pair of balls and learn to understand that pigs do take shit too far.
I agree with this article, noone can go and take stuff from college students just formoney
For more information:
https://sites.google.com/site/skateboardin...
Damn police hating on skating we just want to live in peace with basketbal players
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