Publish to Newswire
Add an EventFrom the Open-Publishing Calendar
From the Open-Publishing Newswire
Indybay Feature
Belchworthy Breakfast & SpeakOut Friday March 19th at 8:30 PM Backing 2 Homeless Musicians
Please pass on the following info (or download it as a flyer) to muster as wide support as possible for Anna Richardson and Miguel deLeon, who the City is trying to jail for the "sleepcrime"--that is, the crime of being homeless and needing to sleep in public places.
The text is included below and hopefully I'll be able to post the flyer with formatting later.
The text is included below and hopefully I'll be able to post the flyer with formatting later.
FREE JUDGMENT DAY BREAKFAST 8:30 AM Friday March 19 701 Ocean in front of the courthouse
Modest Munchables Compliments of Jumbogumbo Joe Schultz
Spunky Speeches: Attorney Ed Frey, Congressional Candidate
Soapbox Special: Tell Your Tale and Share Your Stories
Grab the Grub, then Face Up to the Homeless-Hostile Courts
Stand Up and Support Civil Liberties for Anna and Miguel!
Two Facing Jail for Sleeping 9 AM in Dept. 4
Santa Cruz authorities in the “laid back” “liberal” Surf City
...make all nighttime outdoor & vehicular sleeping illegal for its 1500-2000 homeless population.
...has emergency walk-in shelter for less than 200 people each night, ½ that amount on April 15.
...prescribe a $98 fine for those who sleep or cover up with blankets at night outside, and a larger fine for those who “camp” at any time.
...make three “unattended” citations a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1000 fine & 6 months in jail.
The Santa Cruz City Attorney John Barisone
...has singled out two homeless musicians and banned them from sleeping downtown (as well as making it illegal on all other public property in Santa Cruz) in a civil injunction granted in May 2009.
...has not convicted the two of any criminal offenses during that period, but now brings three police reports alleging sleeping during the day as “evidence” of a public nuisance when it's illegal to sleep at night.
...seeks 15 days in jail, 240 hours of Community Service, and extensive fines for Anna Richardson and Miguel deLeon without a trial, a jury, or a paid public defender.
Crackdown Downtown and Around the Town
... Police engage in one-sided enforcement of the “noise” code against street musicians and political activists on any complaint regardless of whether it meets the law's standard. On January 6, three singers (and one passerby) were given $445 tickets for singing a satirical song mocking the Downtown Association and the City's anti-homeless laws. Officer Shoenfeld refused to take a counter-arrest for “false police report”.
...Police selectively enforce the absurd “sit within 14' of a building, get a ticket” law without warning or complaint as well as singling out peaceful spare changers with signs for “aggressive panhandling”.
...Violent incidents by police officers and deputies on the street, in the police station, and in jail cells is on the rise; Mayor Rotkin has declined to provide answers to questions about the use of tasers.
...Vice-Mayor Coonerty's “Parking Lot Panic” law prescribes $100+ fines for reading a book in your car or socializing in any public parking lot downtown.
...Mayor Rotkin endorsed Chief Ranger John Wallace's policy of destroying homeless survival gear and personal property at campsites after 3 days, in violation of state law and the Fresno Kinkaid decision.
...Police now enforce “trespass” laws at the Metro and in spaces open to the public regardless of the First Amendment's guarantee of public access. On Saturday March 13, Sgt. Dan Flippo ticketed two ACLU activists standing at the entrance to the downtown Trader Jo's for trespass. Mayor Rotkin claims Metro security guards have the right to order members of the community to leave the bus facility—even if they are committing no criminal activity. The SCPD is directed to back up these banishment orders with $200+ tickets.
More info: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/03/15/18641100.php?show_comments=1#18641238
Flyer by HUFF (Homeless United for Friendship & Freedom) 831-423-4833 http://www.huffsantacruz.org 309 Cedar PMB #14B Santa Cruz, CA 3-16-10
Modest Munchables Compliments of Jumbogumbo Joe Schultz
Spunky Speeches: Attorney Ed Frey, Congressional Candidate
Soapbox Special: Tell Your Tale and Share Your Stories
Grab the Grub, then Face Up to the Homeless-Hostile Courts
Stand Up and Support Civil Liberties for Anna and Miguel!
Two Facing Jail for Sleeping 9 AM in Dept. 4
Santa Cruz authorities in the “laid back” “liberal” Surf City
...make all nighttime outdoor & vehicular sleeping illegal for its 1500-2000 homeless population.
...has emergency walk-in shelter for less than 200 people each night, ½ that amount on April 15.
...prescribe a $98 fine for those who sleep or cover up with blankets at night outside, and a larger fine for those who “camp” at any time.
...make three “unattended” citations a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1000 fine & 6 months in jail.
The Santa Cruz City Attorney John Barisone
...has singled out two homeless musicians and banned them from sleeping downtown (as well as making it illegal on all other public property in Santa Cruz) in a civil injunction granted in May 2009.
...has not convicted the two of any criminal offenses during that period, but now brings three police reports alleging sleeping during the day as “evidence” of a public nuisance when it's illegal to sleep at night.
...seeks 15 days in jail, 240 hours of Community Service, and extensive fines for Anna Richardson and Miguel deLeon without a trial, a jury, or a paid public defender.
Crackdown Downtown and Around the Town
... Police engage in one-sided enforcement of the “noise” code against street musicians and political activists on any complaint regardless of whether it meets the law's standard. On January 6, three singers (and one passerby) were given $445 tickets for singing a satirical song mocking the Downtown Association and the City's anti-homeless laws. Officer Shoenfeld refused to take a counter-arrest for “false police report”.
...Police selectively enforce the absurd “sit within 14' of a building, get a ticket” law without warning or complaint as well as singling out peaceful spare changers with signs for “aggressive panhandling”.
...Violent incidents by police officers and deputies on the street, in the police station, and in jail cells is on the rise; Mayor Rotkin has declined to provide answers to questions about the use of tasers.
...Vice-Mayor Coonerty's “Parking Lot Panic” law prescribes $100+ fines for reading a book in your car or socializing in any public parking lot downtown.
...Mayor Rotkin endorsed Chief Ranger John Wallace's policy of destroying homeless survival gear and personal property at campsites after 3 days, in violation of state law and the Fresno Kinkaid decision.
...Police now enforce “trespass” laws at the Metro and in spaces open to the public regardless of the First Amendment's guarantee of public access. On Saturday March 13, Sgt. Dan Flippo ticketed two ACLU activists standing at the entrance to the downtown Trader Jo's for trespass. Mayor Rotkin claims Metro security guards have the right to order members of the community to leave the bus facility—even if they are committing no criminal activity. The SCPD is directed to back up these banishment orders with $200+ tickets.
More info: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/03/15/18641100.php?show_comments=1#18641238
Flyer by HUFF (Homeless United for Friendship & Freedom) 831-423-4833 http://www.huffsantacruz.org 309 Cedar PMB #14B Santa Cruz, CA 3-16-10
Add Your Comments
Comments
(Hide Comments)
-like the fact that they were offered public shelter and declined it?
-or the fact that they broke and entered private property, not to sleep but to party, and that evidence is on video?
-or the fact that they broke and entered private property, not to sleep but to party, and that evidence is on video?
Readers should also note that despite pleas from numerous people in the community to allow Anna and Miguel the ability sleep in her backyard or driveway, Becky has so far refused to help these two. While she demands that someone allow this pair accommodations Becky has refused to answer requests that she do so herself. She simply says that she does not have the ability to do so, despite having a large private fenced in yard. She then turns around and demands that others do it themselves. Becky uses this couple's story at the drop of a hat. She's written articles about them that draw attention to herself. She gains attention for herself by posting comments on the Sentinel forums about the couple almost daily. But when asked to help this couple, to get them off the street away from the police, to give them a safe haven where they can relax, at no cost to her, she has refused. If the reason she can't help the couple out is that her landlord won't let her, the question begs to be asked how Becky can live in a house that does not believe that the homeless have to the right to sleep somewhere. Why does Becky refuse to help people who need it, when people in the community are pleading with her to help?
It sounds like Dan still has much to learn about running a shelter for people who can't pay (with cash, at any rate.) The way most people have to learn to help homeless people is by connecting with them and helping them. Give it a try, Dan? Your information indicates a level of ignorance and silliness it seems you'd want to face up to. It is YOU, here, rather than your fictional "Becky", who has jumped at the opportunity to "use" this street couple. They have not asked for someone else's hide-away to sleep in that I can discover. They asked for a level of freedom that clashes with both community and legal standards. Maybe they just want a voice; exactly what you are flaunting with your unfounded smear tactics? I notice nobody here seems to give a whit about what actually went down in court yesterday -- Indymedia people are missing an opportunity: to get the rest of the news OUT. Because the daily paper's "coverage" hides more than it informs. Not a word there - nor here - about what civil liberties (for everyone) were at stake yesterday. Just some Dan looking for either a fight or preening in his/her discharge.
Are you kidding? Anyone who reads Indybay knows exactly who Becky is. Becky Johnson. Just look at any of the articles on Indybay regarding homelessness and you'll be treated to Becky.
I will say it's a bit odd that Becky has refused to help these two. She's not been asked to solve the entire issue of homelessness,just help two people she has a close relationship with. She and HUFF have used this couple ad infinitum to further their cause. The least they could do is help these two get out of the bad situation they are in.
I will say it's a bit odd that Becky has refused to help these two. She's not been asked to solve the entire issue of homelessness,just help two people she has a close relationship with. She and HUFF have used this couple ad infinitum to further their cause. The least they could do is help these two get out of the bad situation they are in.
They've broken into property, and they've trespassed on private property. So they are in essence asking for someone else's "hideaway" vis a vis their actions.
But what really sucks about this? That it puts all the focus on these two, self-described homeless by choice individual, and as a result polarizes the community to turn the majority further against supporting the homeless.
They were also offered shelter by the city, which they refused, citing it as "inconvenient".
Sorry, no sympathy for these two. Their actions are going to have a negative effect on the homeless community as a ripple effect spreads.
But what really sucks about this? That it puts all the focus on these two, self-described homeless by choice individual, and as a result polarizes the community to turn the majority further against supporting the homeless.
They were also offered shelter by the city, which they refused, citing it as "inconvenient".
Sorry, no sympathy for these two. Their actions are going to have a negative effect on the homeless community as a ripple effect spreads.
I agree w/ most of what "You're Wrong Linda" wrote. Especially about having the wrong focus: "neighborhood" advocates and "homeless activists" BOTH keep focusing on a worst-case situation. We all need to focus on resolving a serious social problem - before others resort to baseball bats and guns, again. I heard a police officer in court yesterday describing his orders to "keep his eyes out for" those particular two people. If you or I do this, it is called 'stalking'. Then the police get treated like THEY were the inhumane part of this picture. Simply being more honest would help a bit! What I meant about "fictional" is: comments by Dan do not seem to fit the Becky I have met -- maybe I shoulda said "mythical" instead of "fictional"? It appeared to me that Dan, not Becky, was starting rumors willy-nilly. I don't have a problem with BS as recreation, but I sure wish there was some outlet for serious and considered public discourse.
Overall, we're sounding kinda paternalistic at best. I feel, after way too much offering of "help" to people who seem distressed (for decades), that those two defendants should be consulted about what they want/need before they are commandeered to somewhere else -- whether volunteering a neighbor/adversary or insisting they go to shelters that won't take them, we still need to consider the wishes -- and the capabilities -- of those at whom we aim our 'charity.' Or our attempts at concern about this can become circular nonsense, right? Even if we were to totally erase two people and all their "stuff", there will soon be another person falling out of hiding who can't succeed in public to conduct themselves well enough to be invisible and empty. No matter how we each feel, there needs to be more and different solutions being attempted at all levels of society. Let's talk about campgrounds and trash collectors and people who don't hide behind the City and taxpayers to deal with what is aesthetically distasteful. It might be awful, too, but at least relevant. Or put another way, how long could YOU stay couped up like a caged bird in somebody's yard before getting stir-crazed? (I know - depends on the yard! Let's say typical one with typical homeowner/landlord.)
For my take on the trial, go to http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/03/20/18642123.php
If you didn't notice Robert's post on the exact same subject elsewhere, follow the link provided so you don't miss reading about the exact same thing again. In that post you'll be provided with a link back to this post so you can read it again.
All Robert. All the time.
All Robert. All the time.
We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
Donate
$35.00 donated
in the past month
Get Involved
If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us.
Publish
Publish your stories and upcoming events on Indybay.
Topics
More
Search Indybay's Archives
Advanced Search
►
▼
IMC Network