READER’S EDITORIAL: WHY DOES OUR SENATOR CARE MORE ABOUT THE DEAD THAN THE PEOPLE WHO ARE LIVING IN HIS DISTRICT?
Printer-friendly versionBy Rex Lyons November 8, 2011 (El Cajon) –There’s something very troubling about the newsletter I received from Joel Anderson, our Republican state senator. It’s filled with stories about honoring the dead—naming a roadway for a fallen CHP officer, breaking ground at a sports park named for the late President Ronald Reagan, and commemorating 9/11 victims. But why isn’t Senator Anderson equally concerned for the many people in his district who are living in poverty, losing their homes, looking for jobs and lacking affordable healthcare? El Cajon has a 29% poverty rate—the highest in our county. Why in the worst economy since the Depression does he completely ignore the many constituents of his who are in dire need? Oh, sure, there’s a photo of him posing with a check being presented to some schoolkids—even though the check was from the Barona Indians, not the state. I guess the Senator needed a photo op to look like he actually cared about our kids. He certainly didn’t care about them, though, when he voted on all-cuts budget that slashed funding for their schools. He wasn’t showing compassion for anyone who is hurting when he refused to consider any new revenue sources, not even taxing big oil with a wellhead tax. Every other oil-producing state has one. We could have raised billions for our schools. But Senator Anderson and his heartless right-wing compatriots stood firm against every reasonable measure that could have balanced our state’s budget without harming public education. The rest of his newsletter is pure fluff: a photo of an Anderson representative posing with a Marilyn Monroe lookalike at Grossmont Center’s 50th anniversary party, for example. And a photo of Anderson schmoozing with his builder buddies. Is that all he has to offer us? Then there’s a photo op of another Anderson rep presenting a resolution to a tribal leader. Resolutions are free and available to any legislator who asks for one. So what? Where’s the substance? There’s not one bill authored by Senator Anderson mentioned in his newsletter. Not even a single vote he’s cast that he takes pride in, other than on a crime bill. Perhaps he is ashamed of his voting record. He should be. His votes are hurting senior citizens, students, teachers, sick people, and disabled people. Although our state budget has been slashed by billions of dollars in recent years, cut to the bone, our Senator just keeps increasing the pain. This year’s budget cut the number of Cal-Fire firefighters in San Diego County by 72. God help us if the next Cedar Fire strikes. Unless you’re a dead president, police officer or terrorist victim, one thing is pretty clear: Senator Anderson doesn’t care about you. Apparently he cares more about the big corporations that give him money. So much money that he laundered it through a Republican Central Committee last election, then had to pay a $20,000 fine when he got caught. Sadly so far, no candidate has come forward to challenge Senator Anderson in next year’s election. Let’s hope someone does, because East County deserves better than a do-nothing State Senator who doesn’t care about the people he is supposed to represent. The opinions expressed in this editorial reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. If you wish to submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
STUDENT WHO HELPED FIRE VICTIMS NOW HEADING OBAMA DESIGN TEAM
Printer-friendly version By Ray M. Wong November 9, 2011 (El Cajon) — Imagine working for the President of the United States, consulting with him personally and being responsible for the artwork and design of his whole reelection campaign. Josh Higgins doesn’t have to pinch himself awake from the dream. He’s living it. Higgins studied graphic design at San Diego City College from 1999 to 2002. He has done design work for Fender Guitars, Hewlett Packard and Perry Ellis International. His artwork has helped San Diego County fire victims. Now he’s the Design Director for Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign. The position is demanding. “It’s the most intense job I’ve ever been in,” Higgins said. He oversees all the marketing for the reelection effort with the exception of video and writing. He puts in 12-hour days and works from home on weekends. He is hiring project managers, designers and copy writers and will supervise 29 people for the design team by the start of 2012. It is the experience of a lifetime. “My first week, I was on the phone with the President,” Higgins said. “To hear that voice on the other end of the phone is so surreal.” Higgins is consulting with Obama’s advising team to develop the branding strategy for the President’s reelection. He is also working on the design of the White House Christmas cards that will be sent to the most influential leaders of the world. Higgins owes much of his success to Candice Lopez, the faculty member who developed the award-winning graphic design program at City College. In the 1990s, Higgins was playing bass in a rock band called Fluf and created promotional flyers for his group. His friend, Jill Bartolo, had taken graphic design at City and suggested Higgins try it. He enrolled in a typography class taught by Lopez and was hooked the first day. “Candice was so inspirational,” Higgins conveyed. “I never had a teacher who inspired me the way she did, the way she talked about design. She has so much passion that it radiates; it’s intoxicating.” The admiration is mutual. “Josh, from the time he was a student, I could see a very unique blend of qualities.” Lopez related. “He has a genuine authenticity, a persona. He has a tremendous social consciousness. He appeals to people to get involved. He’s a brilliant conceptual thinker (and) knows how to craft a message that people can identify with. He believes that design makes a difference.” Higgins has used his design and organizational skills to help raise $60,000 dollars for Hurricane Katrina victims, to aid people devastated by the 2007 San Diego wildfires and for earthquake relief in Haiti. It’s ironic that Higgins never liked high school and went into music, because his music career exposed him to the basic elements of visual design. Then the graphic design program at City launched him into a new career. Now, he hopes others will look at community college in a different way. “If you have the passion and drive and an instructor like Candice, there’s no limit,” he said. Ray M. Wong is a freelance writer in El Cajon. His articles and stories have appeared in “USA Today,” “San Diego Family” magazine and “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books. His memoir, “Chinese-American: A Journey of Discovery,” will be published by Kitsune Books in 2013. E-mail him at ray@raywong.info or contact him through his website: www.raywong.info. Printer-friendly version
READER’S EDITORIAL: WE DON’T NEED A CITY OF BELL-STYLE OF GOVERNMENT IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version By Drum Macomber, former El Cajon Citizen of the Year November 9, 2011 (El Cajon) — The city of El Cajon wants to be a "Charter City.” Instead of abiding by the citizen protections provided by state and federal law, the “charter city” designation gives city councils total control over a host of municipal decisions. These areas of control include 1) city salaries, 2) competitive bidding, 3) taxation, 4) fees, 5) regulation of parks, 6) elections, and 7) city council voting procedures. Each of these areas raises its own serious concerns. CITY OF BELL FIASCO! The views in this editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
LOCAL NON-PROFIT GIVES COMPUTERS TO HELP LOW-INCOME CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Printer-friendly versionBy Millicent Arko November 9, 2011 (San Diego)– Computers 2 San Diego Kids, known as C2SDK, refurbishes used computers and distributes them to eligible families at little or no cost to the recipients. If you or your business is upgrading equipment, you can donate your previous models, helping families in need and assisting children to learn literacy skills. Software sanctioned by the Department of Defense wipes out all data that might be left on the computer systems from previous owners, alleviating any privacy concerns. Computers 2 SD Kids, a non-profit organization, also assists qualified children and theire families to obtain software and training as well as computers to help them become computer literate. Children with home computers perform at higher academic levels. C2SDK place computers in the homes of low-income families who have a need for technology to enhance their children’s academic success. C2SDK’s goal is to provide computers to be used for schoolwork; whether it is completing a school assignment, developing job skills, seeking employment opportunities, increasing financial literacy, improving communications, technology helps individuals achieve their goals. The prime goal is to place the needed computers into the homes of 28% of San Diego County families who cannot afford this essential educational tool. The size of the low-income families that is served is from 3 to 11 members per household. Through the Technology Grant Program, applicants are reviewed and accepted, the candidates are contacted to receive training and a computer. C2SDK volunteers conduct the classes in training. The organization is heavily dependent on volunteers who have extensive experience in information technology. In addition to training, C2SDK offers technical support for families for the first year they have the computers. Through its Technology Assistance Program that recycles and refurbishes used computers and delivers them to families in need, C2SDK also provides each recipient with education, training and technical support necessary to achieve success. BACKGROUND:The philanthropic project was the idea of Larry and Tammy Hershfield. Larry Hershfield is the CEO of Hawaiian Holdings and Ranch Capital, and chairman of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. According to the company’s website, the couple learned that many kids in their community did not have equal access to computer technology. As they witnessed friends upgrading to the latest and greatest technology, they began to wonder, “What happened to the old systems?” Knowing that the old computers still worked but had little value, and that components are not environmentally friendly, they began refurbishing and distributing the computers from their garage. C2SDK now refurbishes and gives away 200 to 300 computers a month, but individuals who apply to the program sometimes have to wait a couple of months to get a desktop. While there are no strict income requirements, the number of children in a family is considered, annual income and extenuating circumstances. C2SDK accepts all working and nonworking electronics including computers and laptops (APPLE and PCs), monitors (any size), keyboards, mice, printers, copiers, fax/scanners, televisions, radios, stereo equipment, speakers, cell phones, land phones, VCRs, DVRs, recorders, projectors, miscellaneous cords, software, hardware, ink and toner cartridges (new and used), etc. Download a Technology Donation Receipt and bring it when you drop off your donation and C2SDK will provide a tax receipt. There is no charge to the donor and C2SDK provides tax receipts upon request. C2SDK is conveniently located to drop off your donated electronics: C2SDK Recycling Center, 7630 Miramar Road, Suite 2300, San Diego CA 92126, (858) 635-5774 and visit www.computers2sdkids.org . C2SDK believes all children in San Diego County, regardless of economic status, need to be computer-literate to improve their educational options and their futures. Computer literacy is no longer the way of the future; it is the main mode of communication, education, and financial literacy. The cost is $85 to place a recycled computer in the home of a low-income family and provide them with the tools to access educational, occupational and financial resources. C2SDK values its experience in completing this process in the most efficient manner, taking pride in its operational success with over 93 cents of every dollar-raised going directly to program costs. Annually, C2SDK places more than 3,000 computers into the homes of San Diego’s low-income families. C2SDK work is supported by grants, individual and corporate financial donations, and corporate in-kind donations. These donations are the driving force behind their success. Printer-friendly version
ANTI-BULLYING FILM, PROGRAM IN SAN DIEGO SCHOOLS TO BE PRESENTED NOV. 22
Printer-friendly version November 9, 2011 — Bullying of students can lead to tragic consequences. Ten years ago, a 15-year-old who had been the target of bullying opened fire at Santana High School, killing two and wounding 13 others. Fortunately, a growing number of educators are taking steps to stop bullying on campus. On Tuesday, November 22 from 7-8:30 p.m., a special program on school bullying will be presented at Lestat’s West, 3343 Adams Avenue in San Diego. The evening will be part of the Community Film Series hosted by Joe Vecchio and will include the short documentary Bullied,which was produced by the Southern Poverty Law Center about a precedent-setting case of a bullying victim seeking compensation from a school district that failed to protect him. A discussionafter the film will feature San Diego School Board member Kevin Beiser as well as local author Walter G. Meyer (www.waltergmeyer.com) , whose novel Rounding Third deals powerfully with the topic of teens being bullied until one can’t take it anymore and attempts suicide. The critically-acclaimed book, Rounding Third, has garnered Meyer requests to write about the topic of bullying for numerous web sites and publications including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazetteand Gay.com’s “Writes of Passage.” The article about his speech at Arizona State University and introduction of Bullied was picked up by news outlets across the country, and in October his talk at SUNY-Jamestown Community College, also received prominent coverage. “I am happy to speak out whenever and wherever I can,” Meyer said. “Too much of Rounding Third was based on my own experiences in school and I don’t think another generation of students should have to endure that torment as they try to get an education.” Kevin Beiser was instrumental in getting the School Board to adopt new, proactive policies to address bullying in San Diego schools. The policy is seen as one of the most advanced in the nation and Beiser will address how this provides significant changes that make it more realistic, practical and enforceable. In too many instances where students have been bullied to death, the schools had policies in place, but they were never enforced. Beiser said, “The San Diego School Board is proud to be taking the lead the effort to make our schools safe for all our children. Passing the historic anti-bullying policy in April this year was a first step that sends a clear message to students, parents and staff that bullying will not be tolerated in San Diego Schools. I look forward to this opportunity to share our vision and listen to ideas that people may have to make our schools even safer places to learn.” For years, Joe Vecchio Director of the Lestat’s Community Film Series has hosted thought-provoking movies and at Lestat’s West on topics ranging from elections to the environment. Vecchio said, “From the program’s inception the goal was to present socially significant films and topics along with some robust discussion and conversation.” This movie will help create awareness of the ongoing bullying crisis the consequences, and to make the public aware of what can be done and is being done to effectively deal with the problem. Vecchio added that Lestat’s owner John Husler was the catalyst for the film series as part of his ongoing mission to create not just a coffee shop, but a creative space for artists, writers, musicians, plays, films, comedy and more. The event is free and the public is welcome and encouraged to participate in the discussion after the movie. Meyer will have copies of Rounding Third available for sale after the movie. Coffee, tea, other beverages, and food are available for purchase at Lestat’s, next to the movie venue and may be brought into the screening. For more information on reducing bullying, visit www.tolerance.org. For more information on Walter G. Meyer and his books, visit www.WalterGMeyer.com Printer-friendly version
COUNTY ISSUES DRAFT WIND ORDINANCE; BACKCOUNTRY LEADERS LEVEL HARSH CRITICISM
Printer-friendly version “The County is now officially doing the bidding of a well organized industrial wind lobby…Together, the County and the industry/government cabal are also getting ready to gut the Boulevard Community Plan, and the few protections they allowed us to retain.”—Donna Tisdale, Chair, Boulevard Planning Group By Miriam Raftery November 9, 2011 (San Diego’s EastCounty) – San Diego County has issued a draft ordinance for publication review (http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/ceqa/POD1007.html. ) But critics say the plan decimates rural community planning authority and makes it easier for large wind farms to be built across broad swaths of East County. Residents who already live near wind farms are speaking out—claiming they have suffered sleep deprivation and witnessed significant bird kills from existing turbines. They fear the impacts if multiple new wind farms are allowed to be erected across East County’s rural and scenic wilderness lands. The goals are laudable. "The purpose of the proposed project is to facilitate the development of wind turbines in an effort to help meet the current and future federal and state goals for renewable energy production," the County’s project description states. A summary of a draft environmental impact report makes clear that the County’s objectives include maximizing production of wind energy in unincorporated portions of the County. The ordinance would primarily impact East County, where the most wind resources are found. The ordinance would streamline the approval process for small turbines, allowing development of small turbines and meterological testing without a discretionary permit. It would also update regulations for large wind projects and allow them in areas classified as “fair” through “superb.” View the DEIR’s project description section: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/advance/docs/Wind/1.0_Project_Descriptio…. Boulevard Planning Group Chair Donna Tisdale blasted the Count for “taking theDonna Tisdale low road” on the Wind Energy Ordinance. “They are throwing our East County communities (Boulevard and Jacumba in particular) and the diverse people and wildlife that live and migrate through here, to the wind energy carpetbaggers that cloak themselves in the guise of green energy do-gooders—when they are anything but!” she wrote in an e-mail to ECM. “They have ignored all the professional reviews and other well-documented information we have provided, opening themselves up for potential lawsuits for their failure to protect at-risk resources.” The Environmental Impact Report identified “adverse environmental effects that are unavoidable.” Supervisors will weigh whether to approve the ordinance, or consider project alternatives allowing differing degrees of wind development. Tisdale called the move an “all-out-assault” funded by the wind industry and said rural residents lack financial deep pockets to fight back. “People are already sick near the existing Kumeyaay Wind turbines, reporting problems similar to wind turbine victims in many other impacted communities,” Tisdale added. Boulevard resident Don Bonfiglio, a truck driver, lives three miles from the Kumeyaay Wind farm, where 25 turbines have been operating since 2005. “I am greatly impacted by those turbines and the noise and vibrations they generate,” Bonfiglio wrote in a June 2011 letter asking Robert Eben, superintendent at the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to deny the proposed Campo Shu’luuk Wind Project proposed for one-third of the Campo Indian reservation land. “If you approve it, " he wrote, "you will be condemning many tribal residents and their neighbors to chronic sleep deprivation and the side effects that go with it, including many ill health effects..it is a form of torture…They keep me awake through the night…Who enforces the noise pollution? What are the rules? Who is liable?” He added, “Four out of seven days a week it sounds like helicopters are hovering over my house at 500 feet. The sounds resembles a Thermo King refer unit on a tractor trailer..This is a constant “hum” that doesn’t go away, day and night.” At a meeting earlier this year, Bonfiglio learned that proposed new turbines would be even closer—less than two miles from his home. Bonfiglio said he visited the Kumeyaay Wind facility and spoke with an employee who told him the turbines get noisier as bearings wear out. His only peace and quiet since 2005 have come when he was away from home – and during a four month period in 2009 when all turbines went down during a storm for reasons that have never been explained, and had to be replaced. Proponents contend that wind farms are needed to provide green energy from renewable resources, combating global warming and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. But opponents argue that wildlife and habitat destruction makes wind farms anything but green. At the Kumeyaay Wind farm, Bonfiglio said he was horrified to see an employee throwing over a dozen large dead birds into a golf cart, including the largest horned owl he had ever seen. “I was so depressed by this I had an even harder time sleeping for days,” he wrote. “I was haunded by those dead birds and wondering how many other people and animals were suffering because of these turbines.” Tisdale notes that the area has some of the last remaining golden eagles in San Diego County, along with other raptors, songbirds, and endangered bighorn sheep. Yet a Freedom of Information Act sent to the BIA asking for record on bird kills at the Kumeyaay Wind farm was denied on claims that the information is confidential. “Why?” asks Tisdale. “Because industrial wind turbines are killing too many birds!” She is also outraged that “the County and industry/government cabal are also getting ready to gut the Boulevard Community Plan and the few protections they allowed us to retain.” That plan was approved only last month by the Board of Supervisors with the new General Plan. “Staff already ripped out part of our plan language back in 2009 at the request of Iberdrola,” she said, referring to a Spanish wind utility trying to build 134 turbines for Tule Wind in the McCain Valley, a National Cooperative Land and Wildlife Management and Recreation Area. Industrial wind turbines are massive—around 500 feet tall, similar to the Great Pyramid of Giza in height. The wing spans for fan blades
PLANTING THE SEEDS OF TOMORROW – ARBOR DAY DEC. 3 AT MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK
Printer-friendly version November 9, 2011 (San Diego)– Mission Trails Regional Park will celebrate Arbor Day at the picnic area near the Visitor and Interpretive Center on Saturday, December 3 at 9 a.m. The public is invited to assist in planting trees including Engleman Oak trees and other native plants. Donations of $100 per tree are being accepted, and donations to the Tree and Habitat Maintenance Fund for the park. To ensure the trees are available for all donors to plant, please make your tree donation by November 18. Donations to the Tree and Habitat Maintenance Fund are accepted throughout the year. Please complete and mail the Arbor Day Donation form. Some shovels will be available on Arbor Day, but it would be helpful if you could bring your own. Gloves and comfortable shoes are recommended. For further information, please contact the Mission Trails Visitor & Interpretive Center at (619) 668-3280 or visit mtrp@mtrp.org. Arbor Day in Mission Trails is sponsored by City of San Diego Councilmember Marti Emerald, City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department, Mission Trails Regional Park Citizens’ Advisory Committee and Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation. HISTORY: Arbor Day is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. It originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska, during 1872. The first Arbor Day was held on April 10, 1872, and an estimated One million trees were planted that day. Without trees, the quality of most land ecosystems perishes. J. Sterling Morton, upon his arrival as a settler of Nebraska’s prairie, recognized this and set forth to plant trees. The land that Morton, founder of Arbor Day, originally moved to in the 1800s is now a public site with an extensive array of educational, recreational, and social facilities. Arbor Day Farm and Tree Adventure offers outdoor recreation, nature-oriented amusements, conference facilities, historic buildings and machinery, a golf course, guided walking and riding tours, walking paths, wildlife, and a 50-foot-tall tree house is located in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Two of Morton’s sons started famous companies, the Morton Salt Company and Argo Starch Company. Visitors to Arbor Day Farm and Tree Adventure receive a free tree to take home and plant with every paid admission. Printer-friendly version
READER’S EDITORIAL: EL CAJON COUNCIL’S CRAZINESS IS HURTING OUR COMMUNITY
Printer-friendly version Approving a 90% sewer rate hike, killing a commission that helps the elderly, and pushing for broad powers under charter city status were just some of the controversial actions taken By Karen Marie Otter November 9, 2011 (El Cajon)–It was fortuitous that I had the opportunity to attend the meeting of the El Cajon City Council last night. All I can say is, "Wow, what just happened?" Besides the typical Councilman McClellan preaching from the dais, we got to witness true craziness at work. Of course, most of the items were approved on Consent Agenda. They didn’t discuss the sale of the "extra" fire engine to the City of Lemon Grove. I would have been curious to know how extra it was. They amended the agreement with the deceased Michael Black’s company Video Technics Productions. You remember them ~ they made the Jesus movies that they ran on Public Television. They approved Leo Hamel coming into the City, after quite the heated debate about what they were going to do here. They eliminated the Aging and Disabilities Commission for lack of interest. They reappointed existing Commissioners without allowing anyone new to apply. They approved a sewer rate increase that amounts to almost 90% over five years! They patted themselves on the back for care-packages for overseas service members. Now to why I write. The El Cajon City Council and its staff are on the fast track to put a proposed charter before the voters on the June 5 ballot. Council members and Staff were practically giddy over the stipulation in the proposed charter that they don’t have to require project labor agreements. Although the Mayor said that he personally opposes the charter, the others went on and ON AND ON about how it will be great for the City and will save millions. The San Diego County Building and Construction Trades Council is all over it. The representative stated that he saw that their proposed charter is the very same as the Oceanside charter that is so bad. He stated in Open Comment that he actually saw the document that had Oceanside crossed out and El Cajon written in! We seriously need help out here! The Council is on a fast track and intends to hold its first public hearing on December 13. (Time is not yet set.) PLEASE SAVE THE DATE and please plan to be there. We need to pack the room. With all this craziness, three of them are up for reelection in 2012. El Cajon residents deserve better representation than this. I hope some good people will come forward to challenge these officials, who are not representing the public’s interest. The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
SHERIFF RELEASES LICENSE PLATE OF VEHICLE USED IN ARMED ROBBERY OF BARONA CASINO
Printer-friendly version November 9, 2011 (Lakeside) – Four masked robbers, armed with guns, pulled off a brazen robbery at Barona Casino early this morning only to leave cash behind in an abandoned Ford Limited edition Explorer SUV. The dark green vehicle had a California license plate of 4NA416 and a CMH bumper sticker. Sheriff’s deputies responded to a radio call of shots fired at the casino at 2:21 a.m. The armed robbers reportedly placed a steel chain around a display case filled with cash near the front of the casino and attached the chain to a Ford SUV parked outside. As the suspects attempted to pull the display case from the lobby of the casino, a gun was fired, with one round of unknown caliber striking the display case. "The shot was from a .22," said Detective Tom Poulin, adding that a casing was recovered. He added that the loud sound of a chain being dragged may have led some present to mistakenly report hearing multiple shots. ECM news partner 10 News reports that about 500 people were inside the casino at the time, however no injuries occurred. The thieves stole an unknown amount of cash. A short time later, the suspect’s abandoned SUV was located approximately one mile from the casino. A bag with cash was recovered inside of the SUV. It is unclear whether additional cash remains missing. Deputies from the Santee station responded and searched the area, but did not find the suspects. "We’re tracking down where the car came from," Detective Poulin said. Poulin said the theft is not believed to be related to the theft of a large sum of money recently at the Santa Ysabel Casino. "At that one, they went through the rooftop and it’s believed to be an inside job. We don’t think this one was," he said of the Barona theft. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Sheriff’s Department or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-580-8477. Printer-friendly version
OCCUPY SAN DIEGO PROTESTERS PLAN TO FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST CITY
Printer-friendly version Story and photos by Ron Logan November 9, 2011 (San Diego) – Free-speech attorney Bryan Pease said yesterday at a press conference at the Civic Center Plaza that he plans to file a restraining order against the City of San Diego for unfairly violating the occupation’s right to free speech. "What the police have done is set up water barricades around the entire Civic Center Plaza with just a very narrow entrance," said Peace. "In order to come in you have to walk through, and be flanked by, police officers who, if they choose to at particular times with respect to particular individuals, will inform you that you cannot set down signs, bags, purses, etc, any object." The action is based on a local San Diego Municipal Code ordinance, Section 54.0110, which makes it illegal to put down any object on any public property, whatsoever, he noted. "So it can be completely arbitrarily enforced, it is extremely overbroad,” he said, calling the rule unenforceable. “Since it applies to everything, they use it arbitrarily to curtail free speech…to keep people out of the plaza…It is the quintessential public forum right here, Civic Center Plaza.” e added, “This is where people have been gathering and should be gathering to express their free speech rights. They should not be told that they can’t set down a sign or a bag or a purse or any other object that they have." Pease plans to file a temporary restraining order later this week in hopes to either strike down the ordinance as unconstitutional or to keep it from being used this way to limit free speech. When asked by media if Occupy San Diego has tried to obtain a permit, Pease said that there is no formal way to request a permit based on this ordinance. "We’ve been up to City Council for, this is our fourth week now," explained protestor John Kenney. "We have a letter of understanding from the City of Irvine, and we have crafted our own. We’ve given [the Council] resolutions, we’ve given them proposals, and they continue to just willfully ignore us. Last week I was at City Council on Tuesday, and the very next day I was targeted by police and given a citation for "illegal use of the horn" for honking my horn for three seconds in support of our brothers from labor who were marching on Wells Fargo." He added, "The very moment this was happening, as I was surrounded by three police [officers] on CHiPs motorcycles, [San Diego City Council President] Tony Young was speaking on NPR saying he supported our right to free speech – but nobody will give us a permit or any letter of understanding or any way whatsoever to occupy this space … We are peaceful protestors, not terrorists." Pease is currently in the process of obtaining declarations from protestors stating that they were told by police they could not set down their belongings. He plans to file papers for a court order on Friday. ———— SAN DIEGO MUNICIPAL CODE § 54.0110 Unauthorized Enchroachments Prohibited It is unlawful for any person to erect, place, allow to remain, construct, establish, plant, or maintain any vegetation or object on any public street, alley, sidewalk, highway, or other public property or public right-of-way, except as otherwise provided by this Code. Printer-friendly version