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Occupy Fresno Protesters Arrested
About 15 Occupy Fresno protesters were arrested at Courthouse Park early Sunday morning. Camille Russell reports on what happend.
Camille Russell, Peace Fresno VP, writes:
I arrived at Courthouse Park at 3:40 a.m. The rain had stopped. Tents and other items had been removed. The Occupy Fresno sign remained and the area around it was lit. There were small groups of people quietly standing on the sidewalk away from the gazebo and in the parking lot street. I found Dan. He told me the occupiers had been given time to take down the tents and put things into cars.
Fifteen occupiers, including the group's attorney Bob Navarro, began walking single file toward the gazebo. They sat on the gazebo steps beneath the Occupy Fresno sign in 2 rows and began chanting. (Darn, I left the camera in the car.)
Hell no; we won't go,
Occupy Fresno
We are the 99%
Whose streets?
Our streets
There were 40 sheriffs in the area. They wore helmets with the visors up and stood in lines on the sides of the gazebo and in front of those of us observing; others were scattered about.
Fifteen of us were supporters and observers.
One of the sheriffs spoke from a loudspeaker in a vehicle parked on the walkway that angles to the center of the park. He announced his name, which I couldn't understand, and Fresno County then said, "I hearby declare this an unlawful assembly. In the name of the people of the State of California, you are ordered to disperse."
He repeated that statement about 6 times. Then the sheriffs moved in as a group and handcuffed the demonstrators, who cooperated. The sheriffs led the demonstrators to paddy wagons parked near the Hall of Records.
At 3:58 the sheriffs took down the Occupy Fresno sign.
I arrived at Courthouse Park at 3:40 a.m. The rain had stopped. Tents and other items had been removed. The Occupy Fresno sign remained and the area around it was lit. There were small groups of people quietly standing on the sidewalk away from the gazebo and in the parking lot street. I found Dan. He told me the occupiers had been given time to take down the tents and put things into cars.
Fifteen occupiers, including the group's attorney Bob Navarro, began walking single file toward the gazebo. They sat on the gazebo steps beneath the Occupy Fresno sign in 2 rows and began chanting. (Darn, I left the camera in the car.)
Hell no; we won't go,
Occupy Fresno
We are the 99%
Whose streets?
Our streets
There were 40 sheriffs in the area. They wore helmets with the visors up and stood in lines on the sides of the gazebo and in front of those of us observing; others were scattered about.
Fifteen of us were supporters and observers.
One of the sheriffs spoke from a loudspeaker in a vehicle parked on the walkway that angles to the center of the park. He announced his name, which I couldn't understand, and Fresno County then said, "I hearby declare this an unlawful assembly. In the name of the people of the State of California, you are ordered to disperse."
He repeated that statement about 6 times. Then the sheriffs moved in as a group and handcuffed the demonstrators, who cooperated. The sheriffs led the demonstrators to paddy wagons parked near the Hall of Records.
At 3:58 the sheriffs took down the Occupy Fresno sign.
For more information:
http://occupyfresnoca.com/
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8 more occupy Fresno protestors were arrested tonight shortly after midnight. They were arrested for refusing to give up their constitutional rights to peacefully assemble. They were taken to the Fresno County Jail to be booked. This is happening at a time when the Sheriffs department is releasing inmates with multiple auto theft charges against them. Also it appears that the approximately 40 sheriffs deputies came out of the jail to arrest the protestors. It makes one wonder who was left to gaurd the over 2300 inmates already in the jail. Let's hope the inmates don't catch word that at midnight dozens of gaurds are leaving there posts to arrest non violent protestors outside the jail.
Camille Russell, Peace Fresno VP, writes:
Monday, November 7:
· Not long after midnight 8 occupiers were arrested for their refusal to leave the Fresno County Courthouse Park. Some had been arrested on Sunday morning and chose to be arrested again. Others were arrested for the first time.
· At around 1 p.m. today, Michael Dominquez of Occupy Fresno was arrested for carrying a sign!
Details below. Join us for the general assembly at Courthouse Park tonight at 6:00 p.m. Bring finger food to share if you haven’t eaten.
==========================================
Posted on Facebook at 1:17 p.m., Monday, Nov. 7
Abe Kennedy at Occupy Fresno writes:
"Michael (Dominquez) just got arrested for holding a sign. Lieutenant and 4 deputies came out, Michael felt the constitution trumped the county ordinance and was taken away in handcuffs."
http://www.facebook.com/occupyfresnoca You don't need a Facebook account to read this posting.
================================================
----- Original Message -----
From: Michael R Becker
Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 2:05 PM
Subject: Re: Another Occupy Fresno member arrested for carrying a sign 20 minutes ago
This is getting completely ridiculous. PLEASE SHOW UP FOR THE GA TONIGHT OR EARLIER IF POSSIBLE. WE NEED EVERYONE'S SUPPORT. WE, AS CITIZENS, MUST DEMONSTRATE OUR DEFENSE OF BASIC CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.
mb
----- Original Message -----
From: Michael R Becker
Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 10:44 AM
Subject: 8 MORE ARRESTED; G.A. THIS EVENING AT 6 PM
Eight more courageous Occupy Fresno! activists were arrested early this morning. Isn't this a perfect expression of power in this country? Corporations dominate the media; they have tens of thousands of lobbyists working 24-7 to control legislation and rule-making; they dictate election outcomes and elected officials with their campaign cash. And when a small group of citizens engage in legal dissent in a public park, the sheriffs are ordered to arrest them.
STAND WITH OCCUPY FRESNO!
--GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THIS EVENING, MONDAY AT 6 PM IN COURTHOUSE PARK. Be there and be heard!
=============================================================
Monday, November 7:
· Not long after midnight 8 occupiers were arrested for their refusal to leave the Fresno County Courthouse Park. Some had been arrested on Sunday morning and chose to be arrested again. Others were arrested for the first time.
· At around 1 p.m. today, Michael Dominquez of Occupy Fresno was arrested for carrying a sign!
Details below. Join us for the general assembly at Courthouse Park tonight at 6:00 p.m. Bring finger food to share if you haven’t eaten.
==========================================
Posted on Facebook at 1:17 p.m., Monday, Nov. 7
Abe Kennedy at Occupy Fresno writes:
"Michael (Dominquez) just got arrested for holding a sign. Lieutenant and 4 deputies came out, Michael felt the constitution trumped the county ordinance and was taken away in handcuffs."
http://www.facebook.com/occupyfresnoca You don't need a Facebook account to read this posting.
================================================
----- Original Message -----
From: Michael R Becker
Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 2:05 PM
Subject: Re: Another Occupy Fresno member arrested for carrying a sign 20 minutes ago
This is getting completely ridiculous. PLEASE SHOW UP FOR THE GA TONIGHT OR EARLIER IF POSSIBLE. WE NEED EVERYONE'S SUPPORT. WE, AS CITIZENS, MUST DEMONSTRATE OUR DEFENSE OF BASIC CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.
mb
----- Original Message -----
From: Michael R Becker
Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 10:44 AM
Subject: 8 MORE ARRESTED; G.A. THIS EVENING AT 6 PM
Eight more courageous Occupy Fresno! activists were arrested early this morning. Isn't this a perfect expression of power in this country? Corporations dominate the media; they have tens of thousands of lobbyists working 24-7 to control legislation and rule-making; they dictate election outcomes and elected officials with their campaign cash. And when a small group of citizens engage in legal dissent in a public park, the sheriffs are ordered to arrest them.
STAND WITH OCCUPY FRESNO!
--GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THIS EVENING, MONDAY AT 6 PM IN COURTHOUSE PARK. Be there and be heard!
=============================================================
I find the the use of the term "Paddy Wagon" offensive and racist. Either you folks have a direct intent to insult and demean anyone of the Irish Race or you have no grasp of the struggle of a people to free themselves of colonialism, segregation and extermination.
You owe everyone of Irish blood an apology.
You owe everyone of Irish blood an apology.
For more information:
http://www.vote29.com
Camille Russell, Peace Fresno VP, writes:
There were 9 arrests at Occupy Fresno after midnight last night bringing the total to 33. Some people have been arrested three nights in a row; let’s give them a break!
I’m bringing my sign and my sleeping bag to Courthouse Park tonight. For me, the arrest of Michael Dominguez for holding a sign during the day in Courthouse Park was the final straw.
I hope my friends will join me in carrying a sign at Courthouse Park during the early hours of the evening. You do not need to fear arrest if you comply with the sheriff’s orders. You will, however, be “breaking the law” because you will be part of a group of more than 10 meeting without a permit. If the Sheriff’s Department decides to disperse the crowd, they will assemble themselves in action formation and use a bullhorn to announce loudly and clearly that all must leave the park or be arrested. You can expect more than one such announcement. You will have time to quietly and peacefully move to the public sidewalk. If you are compliant, you can expect to avoid problems. You can take photos, notes, and video as you peacefully observe. Your witness will be appreciated.
The Occupy Fresno general assembly starts at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a very special guest, Elizabeth Martinez, a professor of law and a lawyer who is a leading expert on permits and the First Amendment. See details below. Please bring finger food to share if you haven’t eaten.
So many of you have called and written Sheriff Mims since the request went out last night! Thank you for sending Peace Fresno copies of your wonderful messages. Know that each of them – long or short impacts the County’s decision on what to do next about Occupy Fresno. It’s not too late for more letters and calls to Sheriff Mims and the County Supervisors - who have the final say. See Ken Hudson’s letter below.
We invite you to come today to the County Board of Supervisors meeting at 1:45 p.m. in the Hall of Records to support Occupy Fresno.
============================================================
Michael Becker, for Occupy Fresno, writes:
PLEASE COME OUT TO TONIGHT'S GENERAL ASSEMBLY at 6 PM AT COURTHOUSE PARK
WE WILL BE JOINED BY Elizabeth Martinez, A PROFESSOR OF LAW AND A LAWYER WHO IS A LEADING EXPERT ON PERMITS AND THE 1st AMENDMENT. She has tried a number of prominent cases in this area and is currently working on a book on the topic. She will present to us and take questions. COME ON OUT!
SOLIDARITY!
OCCUPY FRESNO!
………………………………………………………………………………..
Michael Becker, for Occupy Fresno, writes:
hey all--
Eight more Occupiers were arrested last night at Courthouse Park at approximately 12:30 a.m., some for the second or third times. The total arrests over the past three days/nights is approximately 30. We are asking all of you to please consider taking your turn to stand up for basic constitutional liberties. We want to demonstrate that we cannot be coerced into submission. Arrestees have included students, teachers, retirees, veterans, retail workers, independent business owners, parents, and grandparents. We are straights and gays, people of color, poor and middle class. PLEASE JOIN US NOT MERELY AS A "SUPPORTER" BUT AS AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN A GLOBAL MOVEMENT TO END CORPORATE DOMINATION AND POLITICAL CORRUPTION. We are not going away, and we will not be silenced.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, TODAY AND EVERY EVENING AT COURTHOUSE PARK AT 6 PM
We continue our many local actions despite the constant harassment:
--TODAY, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8TH--LEGAL OBSERVERS AT THE G ST/SANTA CLARA HOUSELESS EVICTION (ALL DAY)
--TODAY, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8TH, 12 NOON, "RALLY TO DEFEND EDUCATION" AT THE FREE SPEECH AREA, CSU FRESNO CAMPUS
--TODAY, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH, 1:30 P.M.--MEET AT COURTHOUSE PARK; WE WILL WALK OVER TO THE COUNTY HALL OF RECORDS BLDG (IN THE PARK) TO PRESENT A REQUEST DURING THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD TO THE BOARD. WE WILL BE ASKING FOR A STATEMENT FROM THE BOARD TO SHERIFF MIMS REQUESTING THAT THE SHERIFFS CEASE THEIR ILLEGAL ARRESTS OF PEACEFUL PROTESTERS IN THE PARK.
--WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9TH, 11:30-1:30; INFORMATIONAL PICKETING BY THE CSUFRESNO FACULTY UNION, CFA, AT SHAW AND MAPLE
--FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH, 11 A.M. IN FRONT OF CITY HALL, VETERANS DAY PARADE; OCCUPY FESNO! WAS ASKED TO OIN IN THE VETERANS DAY PARADE.
============================================================
Ken Hudson, Peace Fresno Secretary’s letter to Sheriff Mims:
Dear Sheriff Margaret Mims:
I have many complaints about your department's response to Occupy Fresno. At the top of the list is the arrest of Michael Dominguez at 1:00 p.m. on Nov 7 for exercising his First Amendment right to hold a sign in Courthouse Park. Three hours later I held a sign and chanted in the same location in the presence of your deputies and was not arrested. VOID THE ARREST OF MICHAEL DOMINGUEZ NOW!
Also, there is absolutely no need to waste precious county resources on arresting members of Occupy Fresno or for deputies to be standing around the Occupy Fresno group at any and all times of the day. YOU HAVE CERTAINLY STRENGTHENED THE RESOLVE OF THE LOCAL GROUP AT THE EXPENSE OF COUNTY TAXPAYERS!
Your arguments for the arrests after midnight are specious. Also, last night around 7:00 p.m., your deputies had an opportunity to peacefully quell a tumultuous situation when cars in the Tulare Avenue parking lot were being ticketed. The deputies could have used their PA system to announce to the angry crowd that the tickets were issued unlawfully by the private security company employed by the County of Fresno, and that the tickets would immediately be voided. Instead, they chose not to use their PA to inform the large crowd, depending on Occupy Fresno members to inform each other merely that the tickets were issued by the private security company.
I have been at the Occupy Fresno site at length on numerous occasions, while maintaining my professional duties as a classroom teacher (of 25 years) at a public elementary school in Fresno County. The ridiculous actions of the County Sheriff's Department need to stop now.
cc's to the County Board of Supervisors.
Ken Hudson
There were 9 arrests at Occupy Fresno after midnight last night bringing the total to 33. Some people have been arrested three nights in a row; let’s give them a break!
I’m bringing my sign and my sleeping bag to Courthouse Park tonight. For me, the arrest of Michael Dominguez for holding a sign during the day in Courthouse Park was the final straw.
I hope my friends will join me in carrying a sign at Courthouse Park during the early hours of the evening. You do not need to fear arrest if you comply with the sheriff’s orders. You will, however, be “breaking the law” because you will be part of a group of more than 10 meeting without a permit. If the Sheriff’s Department decides to disperse the crowd, they will assemble themselves in action formation and use a bullhorn to announce loudly and clearly that all must leave the park or be arrested. You can expect more than one such announcement. You will have time to quietly and peacefully move to the public sidewalk. If you are compliant, you can expect to avoid problems. You can take photos, notes, and video as you peacefully observe. Your witness will be appreciated.
The Occupy Fresno general assembly starts at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a very special guest, Elizabeth Martinez, a professor of law and a lawyer who is a leading expert on permits and the First Amendment. See details below. Please bring finger food to share if you haven’t eaten.
So many of you have called and written Sheriff Mims since the request went out last night! Thank you for sending Peace Fresno copies of your wonderful messages. Know that each of them – long or short impacts the County’s decision on what to do next about Occupy Fresno. It’s not too late for more letters and calls to Sheriff Mims and the County Supervisors - who have the final say. See Ken Hudson’s letter below.
We invite you to come today to the County Board of Supervisors meeting at 1:45 p.m. in the Hall of Records to support Occupy Fresno.
============================================================
Michael Becker, for Occupy Fresno, writes:
PLEASE COME OUT TO TONIGHT'S GENERAL ASSEMBLY at 6 PM AT COURTHOUSE PARK
WE WILL BE JOINED BY Elizabeth Martinez, A PROFESSOR OF LAW AND A LAWYER WHO IS A LEADING EXPERT ON PERMITS AND THE 1st AMENDMENT. She has tried a number of prominent cases in this area and is currently working on a book on the topic. She will present to us and take questions. COME ON OUT!
SOLIDARITY!
OCCUPY FRESNO!
………………………………………………………………………………..
Michael Becker, for Occupy Fresno, writes:
hey all--
Eight more Occupiers were arrested last night at Courthouse Park at approximately 12:30 a.m., some for the second or third times. The total arrests over the past three days/nights is approximately 30. We are asking all of you to please consider taking your turn to stand up for basic constitutional liberties. We want to demonstrate that we cannot be coerced into submission. Arrestees have included students, teachers, retirees, veterans, retail workers, independent business owners, parents, and grandparents. We are straights and gays, people of color, poor and middle class. PLEASE JOIN US NOT MERELY AS A "SUPPORTER" BUT AS AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN A GLOBAL MOVEMENT TO END CORPORATE DOMINATION AND POLITICAL CORRUPTION. We are not going away, and we will not be silenced.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, TODAY AND EVERY EVENING AT COURTHOUSE PARK AT 6 PM
We continue our many local actions despite the constant harassment:
--TODAY, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8TH--LEGAL OBSERVERS AT THE G ST/SANTA CLARA HOUSELESS EVICTION (ALL DAY)
--TODAY, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8TH, 12 NOON, "RALLY TO DEFEND EDUCATION" AT THE FREE SPEECH AREA, CSU FRESNO CAMPUS
--TODAY, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH, 1:30 P.M.--MEET AT COURTHOUSE PARK; WE WILL WALK OVER TO THE COUNTY HALL OF RECORDS BLDG (IN THE PARK) TO PRESENT A REQUEST DURING THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD TO THE BOARD. WE WILL BE ASKING FOR A STATEMENT FROM THE BOARD TO SHERIFF MIMS REQUESTING THAT THE SHERIFFS CEASE THEIR ILLEGAL ARRESTS OF PEACEFUL PROTESTERS IN THE PARK.
--WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9TH, 11:30-1:30; INFORMATIONAL PICKETING BY THE CSUFRESNO FACULTY UNION, CFA, AT SHAW AND MAPLE
--FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH, 11 A.M. IN FRONT OF CITY HALL, VETERANS DAY PARADE; OCCUPY FESNO! WAS ASKED TO OIN IN THE VETERANS DAY PARADE.
============================================================
Ken Hudson, Peace Fresno Secretary’s letter to Sheriff Mims:
Dear Sheriff Margaret Mims:
I have many complaints about your department's response to Occupy Fresno. At the top of the list is the arrest of Michael Dominguez at 1:00 p.m. on Nov 7 for exercising his First Amendment right to hold a sign in Courthouse Park. Three hours later I held a sign and chanted in the same location in the presence of your deputies and was not arrested. VOID THE ARREST OF MICHAEL DOMINGUEZ NOW!
Also, there is absolutely no need to waste precious county resources on arresting members of Occupy Fresno or for deputies to be standing around the Occupy Fresno group at any and all times of the day. YOU HAVE CERTAINLY STRENGTHENED THE RESOLVE OF THE LOCAL GROUP AT THE EXPENSE OF COUNTY TAXPAYERS!
Your arguments for the arrests after midnight are specious. Also, last night around 7:00 p.m., your deputies had an opportunity to peacefully quell a tumultuous situation when cars in the Tulare Avenue parking lot were being ticketed. The deputies could have used their PA system to announce to the angry crowd that the tickets were issued unlawfully by the private security company employed by the County of Fresno, and that the tickets would immediately be voided. Instead, they chose not to use their PA to inform the large crowd, depending on Occupy Fresno members to inform each other merely that the tickets were issued by the private security company.
I have been at the Occupy Fresno site at length on numerous occasions, while maintaining my professional duties as a classroom teacher (of 25 years) at a public elementary school in Fresno County. The ridiculous actions of the County Sheriff's Department need to stop now.
cc's to the County Board of Supervisors.
Ken Hudson
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