Who do the cops protect?

June 13, 2010:  I have a restraining order on my husband's ex.  She has been harrasing us for 5 yrs. She keeps violating the restraining order all the time. When I call the police to help they do nothing to help us, and we have kids and the girls are what she is after. Well, tonight she followed us downtown and was verbally attacking us.  Two officers showed up and did noting about it. She had also bothered us earlier in the day, and they did nothing about it then either,....... I am so tired of these cops telling me to get a restraining order and then they do nothing about her harrassing when she does. Something really needs to be done about these cops...

Eureka Police Department arrests easy target, the VICTIM

911 Call for Ambulance Help Only Brought Grief and Arrest for Injured Victim

On Thursday afternoon (June 18, 2009) in Eureka, near the Blue Heron motel, a woman of color (possibly Asian or Native American) was observed being held against her will by a large man, while a smaller man was repeatedly antagonizing her and spraying her in the face with something (pepper spray, mace?)

 

The woman was struggling to get away.

 

After the observer turned her car around to offer assistance to the woman under attack, the situation had changed -the two men and the woman were no longer visible. The observer called the Redwood Curtain CopWatch phone line and while explaining what she had witnessed, she saw the woman who had been hurt by the two men- so she went to speak with her.

 

 

When the observer (we'll call her "T") asked the injured woman what she needed, the woman appeared very distressed, in a lot of pain, and held her eyes crying out that they were burning. T called the CopWatch number again, but unfortunately, the phone had fallen off the hook, and her messages (she called several times) went to voicemail. T called 911, hoping for an ambulance to help the woman.

 

No ambulance appeared- only police.

 

The Eureka Police and a man who was identified by EPD as a Federal Agent showed up. We believe, from the sole provided badge number, that EPD Sgt. Steve Watson was one of the three officers/agents who came.

 

The officers arrested the woman who had been sprayed.

 

The officers rinsed the woman's eyes with water. They did not head back to the Blue Heron, appearing neither to seek out nor have any interest in seeking out the two men who had assaulted the woman, although T described them.

 

The officers, instead began asking questions of T in attempts to vilify, blame, and criminalize the woman who was hurt- and who'd been immediately arrested.

 

T told the officers what she had seen: the big man holding the woman captive while a smaller man antagonized and sprayed the woman in the face, the woman crying and struggling to get away. The officers, who already had arrested the woman and eventually called for an ambulance, asked T if she had seen the woman carrying a knife! T replied no, she had only seen what she told them. (Some of this interrogation/conversation was heard on the Redwood Curtain CopWatch phone)

 

The woman was left in the police car while the officers talked with the ambulance people for 5-10 minutes.

 

T does not believe that the woman was taken to the hospital at all.

 

T reports that "The officers and ambulance really didn't seem to care or be in any hurry to get her help."

Letter regarding Eureka Police Dept's Sanchez and Quigley; Eureka Cruelty to Houseless People

REDWOOD CURTAIN COPWATCH (707) 633-4493 July 19, 2008 To Eureka Police Chief Garr Nielsen, Eureka City Council members, Eureka Mayor, Eureka City Attorney Sheryl Shaffner: Re: EPD Sergeant Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez We write this letter with grave concern regarding the ongoing harassment and violence against homeless Eureka residents by Officer Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez, and about the civil rights violations inherent in Officer Sanchez’ actions. While Sergeant Mike Quigley is not the express subject of this letter, please note that he behaves similarly, destroying houseless peoples’ meager survival gear and harassing, intimidating, and violating said peoples’ civil rights. We will assume that you have been unaware, up to this time, as to the unwarranted threats, cruelty, and intimidation perpetrated on a consistent basis by Officer Sanchez against homeless people. Apparently, Officer Sanchez believes that he can say and do anything to people he perceives as vulnerable. Officer Sanchez conducts himself in an inappropriate, unlawful, and vile manner toward people- based on their status as unhoused residents. Clearly, he believes he is acting with absolute impunity. While the Eureka Police Department and the local government may choose to believe that Officer Sanchez’ (and Officer Quigley’s) actions are protected under law, we want to bring to your attention the unconstitutional, and frankly obscene, nature of his behavior. We understand that Sergeants Sanchez and Quigley likely do not make full reports of much of their own behavior; perhaps finding it easier to continuously and secretly intimidate houseless people by keeping those actions ‘off the record.’ However, we believe that it is possible that the EPD and other city entities are aware of some or much of Officer Sanchez’ and Quigley’s behavior, and as a result of department and city complicity, these officers indulge in ongoing abusive behavior, confident that no disciplinary consequences will arise. Edith [name changed here on website for privacy] is an older houseless woman in Eureka. She has health issues, aggravated by the fact that not only is there no shelter she can rest in, but that the police refuse to let her sleep anywhere. On the evening of July 15, 2008, two Pacific Coast security guards, whose names we are unaware of, approached Ms. Edith, who was sitting on a bench in downtown Eureka, around midnight. She had her legs up, as directed by an Urgent Care doctor, to bring the persistent swelling down in her legs. Pacific Coast security told her that she could sit on the bench, but not lie there, or not have her feet up. Ms. Edith informed them: “I can’t move around well because my ankles and other parts of my body are swollen.” Then she repeated exactly what the doctor had told her: “If I sit up with my feet down, I won’t get any better.” She also explained that she had been told there is no room at the Mission for her. The guards redirected Ms. Edith to a spot to sleep, an unused doorway. On July 17, 2008, Officer Sanchez, in the middle of the night, rousted Ms.Edith at the same unused doorway, using his car’s spotlight and crude and threatening language. What this rousting did to Ms. Edith, as it does nightly to other women, men, and youth in Eureka, is give them no choice but to roam the streets all night, deprived of sleep. Sleep deprivation, as a policy and/or practice, is patently illegal. "...sleep is a physiological need, not an option for humans" If an officer does not have a viable sleeping place to offer a houseless person, s/he must not awaken a resting person on public property, who is neither interfering with others nor engaging in criminal activity. It is well established by California and U.S. courts that because sleep deprivation is a human necessity, depriving a person of sleep is a far more “significant evil” than the alleged or actual breaking of an ordinance or law that prevents that person from getting rest. Also, the courts have determined that it is “cruel and unusual punishment” to penalize a person experiencing homelessness for sleeping, sitting, or lying down. Sleep deprivation is an internationally recognized from of torture, yet the City of Eureka continues to aggressively attack people who are forced to rest in public. In addition to forcing Ms. Edith to remain awake at all times, Officer Sanchez spoke to Ms. Edith (as he does to other homeless residents on a regular basis) with degrading language, and threatened jail if he finds her asleep again. On July 18, 2008, Officer Sanchez approached Ms. Edith at about 6 am, in the daylight. Ms. Edith was sitting with her feet elevated, again, as she was directed to do by a doctor. Ms. Edith carries a blanket on her shoulder, having no other place to store it, and because it is more manageable for her than in a bag. Officer Sanchez threatened Ms. Edith, “If I see you again sitting anywhere with your blanket, I will take you to jail.” He also treated Ms. Edith, again, as if she is less than human, made statements as if ascertaining her mental and physical health, and chastised her for not having a job like him. In past interactions, Officer Sanchez has told Ms. Edith that he and the rest of Eureka would be better off if she was locked up. We agree with Ms. Edith that Officer Sanchez carries an attitude of resentment and indignant hostility toward all houseless people. Ms. Edith is trying to survive, and she is not hurting anyone. After Ms. Edith’s encounter with Officer Sanchez on July 18, 2008, a different EPD officer (name unknown to us) contacted Ms. Edith and asked if she was alright. When Ms. Edith explained about her swollen feet and ankles, this officer inquired as to whether Ms. Edith needed a doctor. When she replied that she had been to the doctor twice, and explained the doctor’s directions, he then told her, “You’re fine and you can stay on the park bench as long as you need to.” We believe that this officer treated Ms. Edith appropriately, as a public servant should. Officer Sanchez shows an absolute disregard for houseless peoples’ civil rights and apparently feels authorized or entitled to treat unhoused people with disrespect. This is not only unprofessional and can be likened to hate speech and hate crimes, but also traumatizes his victims. In Ms. Edith’s case, he is also violating her medical and disability rights. We have reports of numerous occasions on which Officer Sanchez and Officer Quigley have outright destroyed homeless peoples’ possessions. One person has reported that he has never been cited but has had his sleeping bag, tent, and food destroyed by these officers thirty-seven times!! Theft and destruction of another’s property does not become acceptable because the theft and destruction are done by police officers. Officer Sanchez has been reported to us as having asked a houseless person for ID, and when presented with the ID card, laughed and tore it up. He and Officer Quigley have tore up bags of dog food and scattered it on public property. Houseless people, merely walking down the street, have been repeatedly threatened and harassed by Officer Sanchez. In addition, Officer Sanchez has repeatedly threatened unhoused veterans with arrest; men who were “flying a sign”- an activity protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This is by no means a complete record of Officer Sanchez’ despicable behavior toward unhoused residents of Eureka. At this point in time we urgently request that you do everything in your power to protect the rights of such Eureka residents. We request that Sergeants Sanchez and Quigley refrain from harassing, intimidating, violating the rights of, and depriving Ms. Edith of sleep and medical self-care. Of course, we demand that all houseless people be left to exist with dignity and their civil rights intact, including the right to sleep and the right to be secure in their persons. We have attached Ms. Edith’s formal citizen’s personnel complaint to the Eureka Police Department. We believe, for reasons stated above, that it would be inappropriate for Sergeant Quigley to be part of the review process for Ms.Edith’s complaint. Therefore, we request that, to avoid a severe conflict of interest, and as an act of good faith, Officer Quigley be excluded from the complaint review process here. We will continue to document threats or actions Officer Sanchez makes against Ms. Edith. Redwood Curtain Copwatch has and will continue to urge victims of this abuse to file formal complaints with the EPD, as we understand that the complaint process can be helpful in providing leverage for the disciplining of officers. However, unfortunately many who have suffered from this cruel treatment are fearful of retaliation by officers, including Officers Sanchez and Quigley, who have already exhibited flagrant disregard for their human rights, and are thus reluctant to expose themselves to further harassment. We hope that you will warn all of your officers that it is not appropriate to retaliate against people who have made complaints or requests to you, nor is it appropriate to retaliate against the people upon who’s behalf such complaints or requests are made. Sincerely, Redwood Curtain CopWatch cc: Tracy D. Herrin, Attorney at Law Jeffrey Schartz, Attorney at Law Jay Moller, Attorney at Law Humboldt County Human Rights Commission Northern California ACLU, Mark Schlosberg, Attorney at Law Office of the Attorney General, Jerry Brown

Operation: Wake Up and Move!

Report from April 12, 2009

 

For years now, the homeless have been permitted to sleep on the property of St. Bernard's Catholic Church without incident. Being one of the homeless who do so, I have befriended both Father Allen and the caretaker, Fritz. When the Father steps out of his door every morning to fetch his paper, he has continued to acknowledge my presence with "Good Morning Curtis". Once I'm finally up and ready to take on the day, I use the restroom that Fritz opens for us to use. This has remained routine since at least the early 90's.

 

At 12:50AM on April 9, 2009, I was woke up at St. Bernard's by EPD Officer Sanchez. "Are you Catholic?", he started off. "Do you go to this church? Well I am Catholic and I do go to this church, and I don't want you sleeping at my church", he continued. Before leaving the area, Officer Sanchez said that I would be ticketed next time. When I left, I went directly to people from Redwood Curtain Copwatch(http://www.redwoodcurtaincopwatch.net)and reported what had happened. I then went back to the church, fell back to sleep, was woke up with the Father saying Good Morning, told him what happened earlier, and went about my normal activities. Without police interruption, I've continued sleeping there. That is, until Sanchez woke me up tonight at just about the same time as two nights ago. The only dialogue was Sanchez saying "Mr. Surpless, move on", not to mention that there was no ticket. Once again, I reported it to Copwatch, this time deciding that these incidents should be posted.

 

Like before, I am returning to St. Bernard's to go to sleep. What kind of crime is that?

APD Officer Arminio 'Welcomes' Visiting HSU parent-- NOT!

I was at Everett's bar with my father
who was visiting from Arkansas.

 

We had sat down to have our first beer and my father went outside to smoke. I went to check on him and he was sitting with two officers standing in front of him (Sligh and Arminio). 

 

     When I asked if everything was alright, I was told to leave by Arminio. I asked again politely and was told it was none of my business by officer Sligh. I responded that the man was my father and then instantly put in handcuffs by officer Arminio (all in under 10 seconds). I was not asked if I was drinking, or given a breathalyser. Halfway to the police car I was pushed to the ground in handcuffs by Arminio. He claimed I was resisting arrest, but this is the furthest thing from the truth.

 

     I was then taken to jail and let out at around 3-4 in the morning, just enough time to find my father who had been left alone with nowhere to go, and get him to the airport for his departure flight at 6:00 am.

Liles Gets Burgess Family Evicted From Home; He Targets His Victim's Families

REDWOOD CURTAIN COPWATCH    
December 9, 2007

To Chief Garr Nielson and all to whom it may concern:

 

It has come to our attention that Officer Terry Liles recently has been at the residence of Margorie Burgess and her children on at least two occasions. This letter is to firmly request that Officer Liles no longer be sent to her residence, that he be stopped in the future of
going to any residence of Ms. Burgess, and that Officer Liles be reprimanded for threatening and harassing Ms. Burgess’ current roommates, who are her extended family.

 

Apparently, on Sunday, December 2, 2007, Officer Terry Liles spoke with someone at the residence of Ms. Burgess. He then returned on Monday, December 3, 2007 with a woman EPD officer. Terry Liles made it clear that he knew that he was at Margorie Burgess' residence. The following is an account of his December 3, 2007 visit’:

 

He came to the door, and when it was answered by the primary renting adult of the residence, Ms. Ruth, he forced entry into the house by pushing his chest against Ms. Ruth's body, until he was inside the house. Officer Liles was wearing a metal helmet and bullet proof vest, and made intimidating gestures to display his highly militaristic gear to Ms. Ruth.

 

While he was pushing his way in, Officer Liles was making insulting remarks, “Idiots! Retards. Ignoramousus...”...etc.

The next words out of his mouth after forcing entry, "I'm here to make sure you get evicted."

Officer Liles failed to present a warrant, did not state his purpose, and did not ask the woman of the house if he could enter before pushing his way inside.

When Ms. Ruth inquired as to why he was there, Officer Liles asked her if she was the woman with whom he spoke the night before. She told him “no” and he demanded to know who that person was. Ms. Ruth informed Officer Liles that she did not know with whom he had spoken the night before.

Officer Liles asked Ms. Ruth her name, which she provided... He then kept repeating "Ruth, Ruth, Ruth... Why do I know that name, Ruth...?" Then he asked Ms. Ruth if she had a daughter, and if her daughter’s name is(name removed). When Ms. Ruth replied, "Yes", Officer Liles asked Ms. Ruth why her daughter's name was familiar to him. Ms. Ruth said that her daughter was the person who started a petition last year.

Liles:"What was that petition for again?" “What did that petition say?”

Ruth: “Well, I’d be happy to go to my computer and get you a copy.”

Liles: “No, you just tell me-- what did it say? Wasn’t she trying to get me fired?”

Ruth: “Yes”

Liles: “Why?

Ruth: “Because you shot Chris Burgess.”

Then Officer Liles puffed up, looked toward the badge side of his chest, gawked down at his badge, turned toward his partner and said, “Looks like it didn't work, did it?"

[At this point, Ms. Ruth assumed that the officer was Terry Liles. Officer Liles was not wearing his name visibly at any time while in Ms. Ruth’s home. Ms. Ruth asked him his name after he (Liles) made disturbing comments about and questioned her about Laurie, her daughter.]

He then demanded to know where Ms. Ruth's daughter was. [and where she works]

Officer Liles also demanded to know "How many people live in the house? How many beds? How many rooms?" Then, “So, how many teenagers DO you have living in this house?” with an offensive tone. Officer Liles then 'asked' Ms. Ruth (who has known Margorie Burgess for over twenty years) "Why would you let Margorie Burgess stay here?"

Officer Liles asked where Margorie Burgess was. Ms. Ruth told him that she did not know; that Margorie is free to go where she pleases, of course. He then asked where Ms. Burgess’ children were. Ms. Ruth responded that they were presumably with Ms. Burgess. (Ms. Ruth had just gotten out of the shower).

Officer Liles asked for the landlord’s phone number. When Ms. Ruth told him that she did not know the number offhand, Officer Liles indicated that he had researched Ms. Ruth’s rental history in that house. He said, “You’re landlord is (name removed), moved in in June, been here a year and a half, and you don’t know the landlord’s number yet?” Ms. Ruth said she did not have the number memorized; she [landlord] lives in Vallejo." Ms. Ruth then offered to get the number from her room upstairs, and Officer Liles declined the offer. Officer Liles told Ms. Ruth that he would look the number up himself! Officer Liles, making threats to get the household evicted, was then told by Ms. Ruth that Ms. Burgess and her boys were there by permission of her
landlord.

After all of these comments, questions, and threats by Officer Liles, he then asked why someone might have complained about noise. Ms. Ruth then said that Casey Burgess had been knocking loudly on the back door and appeared to have been drinking. Ms. Ruth explained to Officer Liles that she told Casey that he needed to quiet down or leave, if he was going to disrespect the house; and that the neighbors call the police often, even when just the youngest children are playing in the back yard. Officer Liles proceeded to say with a cocky tone, “Now, so what would you like me to do to a drunk 16-year-old walking on the street?" Ms. Ruth replied with seriousness, "Don't shoot 'em."

Then the female officer stepped into the doorway, increasing the feeling of threat felt by Ms. Ruth, so Ms. Ruth stepped back a couple of feet.

 

On December 4, 2007, the day after the above-described ‘visit’ by Officer Liles, Ms. Ruth’s landlord told Ms. Ruth that she was coming into town. On December 7, 2007, after a year and a half of Ms. Ruth renting from (name removed)and maintaining a good "landlord/tenant"
relationship, (name removed) delivered an eviction notice to Ms. Ruth. After all that Officer Liles said, it would be hard to believe that Officer Liles had nothing to do with the recent (almost immediate) eviction notice.

 

Officer Liles has no business at the residence of Ms. Burgess or her extended family, nor should he be harassing the Burgess family or friends. Regardless of the position taken by EPD
related to the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Christopher Burgess, EPD should have the decency to protect Margorie Burgess and the people who are close to her and were close to Christopher, from having to be confronted by Terry Liles. Teenagers throughout this city fear that Terry Liles will kill them. Veiled threats by Liles regarding his actions against ‘misbehaving’ teens are completely INAPPROPRIATE. Name-calling and threatening (and acting) to get Margorie, her
children, and her extended family evicted are also completely inappropriate behaviors. It is only fortunate that Margorie Burgess, mother of Christopher Burgess, did not have to witness Liles in her home, bragging and harassing and threatening her family. There is no excuse for Liles’ behavior. If EPD thinks that a man who has had primary involvement in multiple killings of civilians over the past 2 ½ years should be armed, walking the streets, and going to peoples’
homes-- at least he should be in therapy, and he should be forbidden from going to his victims’ families’ homes. Liles’ unwarranted behavior is indecent, cruel, unprofessional, illegal, despicable, and only furthers much of the community’s belief that he is suffering from a
psychosis that renders him remorseless and dangerous.

We will continue to document any threats or interactions Officer Liles makes with the Burgess family or Marjorie Burgess’ extended family, including but not limited to Ms. Ruth and her family.

We hope that you will warn all of your officers that it is not appropriate to retaliate against people who have made complaints or requests to you, nor is it appropriate to retaliate against the people upon who’s behalf such complaints or requests are made. In all decency, regardless of your opinion or publicly stated positions, keep Officer Liles away from the Burgess residence and family.

Control your officers.

Sincerely,

Redwood Curtain CopWatch

 

Notes from CopWatch: The eviction happened.

“Ms. Ruth” is a made up name, just a precautionary measure. She also filed a complaint to the EPD about this EPD incident. The only official complaint process, filing through the agency that then is supposed to evaluate itself, is absurd. And what an intimidating ordeal to just get
the blank complaint form, and then turn it in, at the station.

Report: "Liles at it again (and Newly Promoted, Assassin, Bully, Punk)"

After refusing to be interviewed by Liles about someone else, he threatened to arrest me.

 

When that didn't work he threatened to have C.P.S. take my children away.

 

When that didn't work he said he would get me later.

 

I'm concerned that he will now set me up. If he pulls me over and finds "something" on me or in my car I want people to know that he set me up.

 

Hopefully the public will get tired of this punk and have him fired.   --Anonymous

 

Message to Anonymous: Please call Redwood Curtain CopWatch anytime at (707) 633-4493 or email copwatchrwc@riseup.net so together we can do all we can to ensure your safety!Good job not being intimidated into answering Liles' questions.

 

Message to ALL: You Have the Right To Remain Silent- ALWAYS.
You do not have an obligation to talk with any officer, even whem they make threats!

Statement made by Redwood Curtain CopWatch at TAKE BACK THE NIGHT, Arcata CA 2008

Redwood Curtain CopWatch, is part of a larger movement of self organized CopWatch groups throughout the US. Our local efforts seek to intervene in the drastic rise of the presence, militarization, and violence of the police, and build support networks based on self-determination, caring and concrete needs. We create spaces to gather and share information; share stories and strategies of survival and resistance; network; and build relationships necessary to support and understand each other- recognizing that we must learn from the most oppressed people and communities amongst us. We know that preventing state abuse and violence is part of a larger struggle against racism, militarism, sexism, hetero-patriarchy and capitalism. Therefore we seek to promote community empowerment that explores true conflict resolution and builds community support and protection- without the police- in a variety of creative ways. We believe that being on the streets in crucial to document police activity in order to prevent police violence and hold police accountable for their actions.

In challenging police violence and brutality we recognize the reality that law enforcement does nothing to end cycles of violence.

Rape, Sexual Assault, and Sexual Harassment by on duty law enforcement officers are foremost among gender specific forms of police brutality directed at women of color. Sex workers in particular report endemic extortion of sexual favors by police officers in exchange for leniency or to avoid routine police violence against them, as well as frequent rapes and sexual assaults.

Societies reliance on law on law enforcement –based responses to violence against women has had a number of unintended consequences including increased vulnerability of survivors to violence- at the hands of both their abusers and law enforcement officers. Police brutality often is committed against those who call for assistance in a domestic violence or sexual assault.

 

As CopWatch we assert our rights to observe the police, to show we care about what happens in our community, and that we will not stand for police violence. Tonight community members that are self identified women survivors and allies will be accompanying the Take Back the Night March to CopWatch. We do this not only because Law Enforcement perpetrates sexualized violence despite rhetoric of protection, but because we realize that the police do not keep us safe; that true safety comes from the community itself.

THEY BURNED MY HOME Sheriff's and SWAT

On the morning of Jan 31,2008..at approx 5:30/6am, I had just turned off my computer and was finally able to relax enough to fall asleep...when the dogs went off and my son came into my room saying that there were lights shining into the living room window...I told him to stay put that i would go and see what was going on...I went to the front window to look out to see if anyone was messing around the vehicles...when I saw men near my front porch with guns pointing at the window yelling "Put your hands up and come outside"...I slammed my hands up to the window to show them...I yelled "You ordered me to place my hands up...how can I open the door?"...they continued yelling so I removed my hands to open the front door...all i heard was "come out with ur hands up"...It was raining slightly and very cold...i was in my pjs with socks and freezing already..I have a disability that causes great pain when cold and when my arms are handled in a rough manner...i came outside..they continued yelling to proceed to the gate..I looked around. I saw at least four men to my right. Two were right near my railing on my property..i could see officers out by the gate all with guns pointed at me..i asked "what is the problem? what is it that u want?" no answer but "Continue to the gate with ur hands up"...I walked to the gate. I was told to turn around. As I turned, someone grabbed me. I told him "Please do not grab my arms and hand cuff them as I have a disability and can not put my hands behind me"...They grabbed my left arm violently and pulled it down and handcuffed me and then continued to do the same with the rt arm...I screamed in pain and my left arm popped and a shooting pain went up my into my shouldar and down my back...i asked "please remove the handcuffs and tell me what it is u want"...I was shaking and freezing ...no one would answer me..they asked me who was in the house. I said my son [name witheld**] and maybe [name witheld**] and his two friends...I became disoriented from being cold and in pain...I explained to them i was just going to be, that i cant sleep. They asked me who was in the house again. I wasn't sure of all who was in there...but again repeated what i had told them..Again I asked them what was going on.. why are they doing this..again NO one would answer me. I was then grabbed by the left arm and taken to a truck and lifted by my arms into the truck as I screamed in pain...It was like seeing a war zone...They treated me with no concern for what I was telling them, that they were hurting me...I screamed to be let out of the truck ..I was so scared that they were going to rush into the house ...oh my god, my kids were in there and I was scared for them...After some time an officer came to the truck and opened the door and again asked me who was in the house. Again I told them. They asked me why I couldn't sleep. Again I told them that my disability causes alot of pain and sometimes i can't go to sleep till early morning...As the officer started to close the door, I placed my foot outside to step out and he grabbed me and i fell to the ground landing hard on my left hip and leg. I felt a sharp pain from the fall now in my left lower side. I was crying and screaming "What is going on? Why are u doing this?" ..again no one would answer me. He just grabbed me up by both arms, pulling them up...oh my god, how can they not hear me? I told him, "You can't do this too me. You're hurting me more when u pull me by my arms. I need to be taken out of this angle. Handcuff me in front please"...still no one would listen...I started yelling towards the house for [**] to come out to get [**] and the others to come out...I tried to get closer to the house but was grabbed and pushed to the ground again..i continued to yell towards the house for ** to come out and get the others..I dont know how long i was left on the ground, wet cold freezing and in great pain...I told them, "Let me go inside and bring the kids out" ...They said they couldn't do that. I asked again why they were here and why they were doing this??..still no answer...I said, "Then let me go to my daughter's house." They said they couldn't let me do that...I told them, "I cant take this any more. You are hurting me. I need to lay down"...Then an officer grabbed me up by the arms and took me into my neighbor's house..I stood there shaking and again I asked "What is going on? Why are they doing this?" I turned and asked my neighbor. ...He said he didn't know...They ordered me to sit down. I said no. I stood in front of the window to watch what they were doing ...They had my house surrounded and there were a few officers on the property. They asked if they could go into the house when I first came out ..I told them NO...I was scared for my children's lives. All I could see was guns and a bunch of guys ready to shoot anything...all i could think was they would rush into my home and kill my children...I was shaking from the cold and being wet and scared...no one would explain to me what was going on for at least an hour or more..while in the house...one officer came to me finally and said that they were looking for ***..and asked me if he was in the house..I told him he could be sleeping in the back room...I asked him what was going on ...Finally someone told me that they were looking for *** because he was involed in a drive-by shooting..I said "No way"..I said "Let me go in and bring them all out"...I knew that if they went into the house that someone was going to get killed just by the attitude that some of the officers had ..One had said he was guilty...I said to him "Isn't this America, where we believe innocent until proven guilty?"..He didn't answer. One officer told me to be quiet or that he would have me arrest for obstructing...I told him, "I am not obstructing anything, but I will speak up and say what i have to say"..and I said that they were being very barbaric about this and the treatment of me was horrible ...I kept saying, "I need to go lay down. I am in pain"..One officer told me (I think he was in charge I am not sure who is who in all this...) he told me that as soon as they all come out, they will take me back into the house to my room, but that I had to stay in one room and not move from there...Finally one of my children ** came out...[I am sorry but the time is a blur... I was just glad one came out]...eventually [the person the officers said they were after] came out...and then eventually ** and my daughter came to the door.. [Name witheld]** came out but my daughter ran back into the house and then came back to the door..I kept asking for my daughter and saying that I need to go into my home. He kept saying, "When they all come out, I'll take u back into the house to ur room" but that I would have to stay in that room till they finished..I guess they were trying to get a search warrant and were waiting on...they asked me again if anyone else was in the house. I told them, "No, they are all out so please take me back to my home. I need to lay down"....It must have been about 20/30 minutes after everyone had come out, I heard an officer say, "There are flames coming from the front bedroom"...omg my room.. what did they do? I saw the flames. It was like a pleasent fire place fire then it turned into hells flames. I yelled at them, "What are u doing? Call the fire dept!" No one had called for them. I yelled, "It's right there! Call the dam fire dept!"...The flames where hot. Hell was upon me ..They took it all away from me.. my home... They lied to me. They said I would be able to go into my home when the last person was out...They lied to me. They took my home away from me. They took my life away, everything I worked so hard for... my body destroyed in so much pain...Mary went over the edge at this time...I came out and had to take over while we were in the hospital...No one would listen to her. No one would answer her. I had to stand by and watch the hell they were puting her through..I couldn't stand it any more so I stepped out and took over...I am Mary...Mary isnt capable of dealing with what has happened in her life at the moment...I have had to take on what needs to be done to keep her safe..Her faith has been destroyed ..She is lost in the outside world... This was wrong how they treated her, how they acted. It was like the gestopo attacking her home..Something needs to be done..Someone needs to help us..

Dept. of Corrections LYING About Prisoner Hunger Strike / 21st Day of Strike

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 21, 2011

Prisoners In Solitary Confinement On 21^st Day Of Hunger Strike

Department of Corrections Is LYING About the Strike & Prisoners' Medical Conditions!

"The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has been lying to the public, lying to the media, and lying to prisoners,"  says Verbena Lea of Redwood Curtain CopWatch. Now, the CDCR has issued a bogus press release claiming that the prisoner hunger strike in the Pelican Bay State Prison SHU is over. The media has an ethical responsibility to investigate the truth when the CDCR attempts to make such a false claim. The prisoner hunger strike against the torture of the SHU began on July 1, 2011 and is still going strong despite serious medical problems experienced by the prisoners. The CDCR has proven that it cannot be trusted or relied upon for genuine information.

 

The CDCR has refused to act in good faith, instead deliberately making false and misleading statements, and hiding information- in attempts to downplay the strength of the prisoners' nonviolent hunger strike, end the strike without meeting the prisoners' demands, deceive legal advocates, and suppress support for striking prisoners which has spread internationally.

CDCR has consistently tried to break the strike in these ways:

• enticed prisoners into not fasting before the strike began by releasing a “4th of July Menu,” including food that prisoners have never seen before in prison

• continuously down-playing participation and support in regards to numbers. 

• told prisoners at Calipatria that the strike was over and the demands met more than a week ago, when this was not true

• refusing to disclose accurate, if any, information about the striking prisoners' medical status and other details on the strike from press, media, advocates, family members and prisoners

• violating medical protocol, including not distributing prescribed medication

• told the Federal Receiver’s office all prisoners were refusing medical care, and that the Federal Receiver’s office therefore does not need to follow protocol and weigh prisoners or do medical examinations until later

• denouncing family members, friends, prisoners, and lawyers speaking out about the urgent medical crisis as prisoners experience symptoms of severe dehydration due to no food for weeks and torturous conditions

• said the strike is led by vicious gang members to justify torture and discourage wide-range support

• hanging up and/or disconnecting when supporters call-in urging the CDCR to negotiate

• claiming the CDCR cannot implement the changes asked for in the demands, when they are basic standards even in other Supermax prisons

• throwing hunger striking prisoners not yet in the SHU and Ad-Seg units into solitary confinement as punishment for supporting the strike

• transferring hunger strikers to other prisons– the Receiver’s Office has said that hunger strikers have been transferred from Pelican Bay to Corcoran, and Corcoran to Pelican Bay

• continuing to deny mail, the primary source of much needed human contact

The CDCR is now denying lawyers and other members of the strikers' outside mediation group access into Pelican Bay State Prison. The CDCR is thus, not only blocking communications important for prisoners' human rights demands to be met by the CDCR, but is denying prisoners in isolation, many of whom are in dire medical condition, contact with their legal support.

The Prisoner Hunger Strike Solidarity coalition provides more information as to the CDCR's attempts so far to “break the strike and dwindle support for it” http://prisonerhungerstrikesolidarity.wordpress.com/2011/07/20/repression-breeds-resistance/

Prisoners on hunger strike in Pelican Bay are determined to strike until their five core demands, demands which include an end to the torture of long-term solitary confinement, are met by the CDCR.

###

Eureka Cop With M-16 in the Center of Town Thinks He's in a Video Game

REPORT FROM MORNING OF JAN 13, 2011

This morning, about 8:20am, I saw a Eureka cop park a police vehicle on 4th St. (Hwy 101) between N and M, across from Laudry Land.  When I saw him park, I also observed another Eureka Police Department (EPD) vehicle go toward 3rd Street in the same area.  The sole cop in the parked car got out, grabbed his M-16, and walked to the corner of M and 4th.  There, he stood near a bush, behind the corner of a building, looking like he was hiding. The young cop and his big gun were in plain view from across the 101 (4th St) where I was- and several other people noticed him and the weapon.  There were no people around or near the building corner and bush that he was hiding behind, no one coming at him from any direction, I asked him "What are you doing?"  He looked at me (from across the street of course) and it seemed like he thought he was in a game of hide-n-seek.  I told him "There's no one there." 

After maybe a minute, a pedestrian who was casually crossing from one side of M St near the Performance Plus gas station to the M St corner where cop and his big gun were, at first did not notice the cop, then when he did, paused for a minute.  The cop appeared to ask him a question,  and the man, keeping some distance, appeared to respond, then walked across the street to where I stood with another observer.  The other observer was one of several people at the Laudromat who had seen the cop get out of his car and arm himself with the M-16.  

We then noticed that there were other Eureka cops in the parking lot of the Performance Plus gas station.  So, on one side of the station, was the cop "hiding" with his big gun, and on the other side were other EPD cops and their cars- visible.  Those Eureka cops were Tim Jones, Louis Altic, and, if I saw correctly, Pamela Wilcox.  One or more of them spoke with a woman from the gas station, and then Big Gun cop decided (from his position at the corner) to go back to his car and be on his way.  Before he got back to the car, I crossed the street and asked him his name.  His response:  "Yeah, right."

So, is that what happens when someone from the gas station calls the cops?  The cops surround the station and one cop hides, in waiting, on the corner of a main road and pedestrian thoroughfare with an M-16?  And then he doesn't even think he needs to identify himself (even though the law requires it)?

He must think he is in a video game.  Or still part of a crew of invaders in a far away land where he's been told that "everyone could be the enemy." (Many newer cop recruits just came out of Iraq and Afghanistan.)

Very scary. 

In video games, the players can shoot a bunch of targets dead, blow em up, one after the other (reminds me of the real life Wikileaks 'Collateral Murder' video), and it doesn't matter.  And in the video game, if the player dies, he gets more lives. 

Well, we're not your targets, EPD, and this ain't a video game.

--This report was written by Verbena

Note next day: I learned the cop's name with the M-16 -Bryon Franco- one of the Eureka cops who participated in the fatal beating of Martin Cotton II.

M-16 Rifle

*Here's some of what the U.S. Army Fact Files website posts about the M-16:

Mission
Deter and, if necessary, repel adversaries by enabling individuals and small units to engage targets with accurate, lethal, direct fire.

 

*Here's what one Vietnam vet (who seems to be proud of, or at least unrepentant,  about "mowing people down") posted about the M-16 rifle:

The Armed Forces in Vietnam used many kinds of weapons from awesome B-52 bombers to the lowly bayonet.  We had the ability to destroy enemy bases in a single attack, or mow down a hundred men in one sweep.  But the weapon most important to the man on the ground was his M-16 rifle.  It was the weapon of the infantryman - and you felt naked without it.   It was as natural to have it beside you as it was to eat three meals a day.

The rifle was designed to give the infantryman fire superiority over the enemy by providing rapid fire power.  Its maximum rate of fire was 650-700 rounds per minute.  Of course, changing magazines every nineteen rounds, we never reached that speed.   But a single magazine still emptied quickly on full automatic.  To sustain fire superiority, the men in a squad took turns firing and reloading.  That way we kept a steady stream of lead raining down on our opponents.

Freezing Weather and Eureka Cops Continue To Terrorize People in the Bush

Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 10:21 AM
To: Garr Nielsen
Subject: homeless and freezing weather

Dear Chief Nielsen,

Again I must complain about the work that [Murl] Harpham and Sanchez do out in the bush. Sanchez wielding a machete around homeless people who's only "crime" is poverty and Harpham with his ridiculous "holier than thou" attitude do nothing to bring real safety or respect to this community.

Yesterday these officers walked out to a camp that has been kept clean and without heavy drugs, etc.and told the people there that they must be out by 1pm today or their camp would be destroyed with the machete Sanchez held. Where are
these people to go?

We have freezing weather upon us. There is no plan for sheltering on an emergency basis and the housing plan of this city clearly discriminates against the poor, so more homelessness is on the way. What is the plan to "control" the
larger numbers when the financial meltdown finally hits?

Many cities have been sued for inhumanely rousting homeless people during a weather crisis. If anyone dies as the result of police activity during this time coming I will personally pursue litigation.

Respectfully yours,
Kathy Anderson

 

How the Chief of Police in Eureka responds to my complaint about his officers terrorizing people in the bush:

Kathy,
I am doing all I can to find a resolution to this issue. I suggest you contact the rescue mission and john shelter, both of whom have space of available. Bottom line is that these persons are trespassing on private property [?????] and have no right to be there. Perhaps you could accommodate them? It is no different than someone using your car without your permission because they have no car of their own. This is not a police issue.

Garr Nielsen
Chief of Police
Eureka Police Department
707-441-4095
707-267-4700 (CELL)

[Question Marks next to Chief's claim about "private property" from Redwood Curtain CopWatch]

Humboldt Juvenile Probation Department's “Undocumented Persons” Policy VIOLATES CIVIL RIGHTS

Here is a link to the letter below, in its entirety:
http://redwoodcurtaincopwatch.net/files/Letter to Probation 7.26.11 .pdf

To view the rest of the letter, go to
http://redwoodcurtaincopwatch.net/node/867

Attachment	Size
Letter to Probation 7.26.11 FINAL-1.pdf	173.17 KB

Letter of Solidarity with Greek Rebels!

We are writing as a group of world citizens to tell you that we are saddened by yet another police murder of a young person, Alexis Grigoropoulos. We do not see this as an isolated incident by one “bad cop” but as the direct result of a oppressive police force and repressive state. Alexis’ murder sparked a fire in Greece and has touched many all over the world. We are heartened by the response of our Greek comrades and write this letter in support of what has become a large-scale popular uprising in Greece with support worldwide. We applaud its principles and its targets - the police themselves, and the state institutions that create and feed the system of violence and oppression that they enforce. We will stand strong in whatever ways we can with the people of Greece who are making their voices heard. This struggle does not belong to Greece alone. The problems of Greece are problems of a deeply repressive capitalist world order. What is happening on the Greek barricades is happening elsewhere and everywhere. We hope that the fruits of our struggles and uprisings will yield a better and more just world for all. The time has come and the people will not back down.

[published by By AK Press, December 19, 2008]

In solidarity:
The Alexander Berkman Social Club
AK Press
Revolutionary Autonomous Communities
Cop Watch Los Angeles - Guerrilla Chapter
Friendly Fire Collective
Hog River Collective
PM Press
Katharine Wallerstein
Devin Hoff
Paul Dalton
Chris Carlsson
Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
Chuck Morse
David Barkham
Cindy Milstein
Lani Riccobuono
Peter McLaren
John Tillman
Sara Smith
Roger Leisner
Landon Godwin
Chuck J
Payam Shahfari
Carlos Torrano
Solidad Decosta
Angel Martinez
Mesha Monge-Irizarry

[Endorsers as of December 25, 2008]

If you would like to add your name to the list signers, please write: devilhoof@devinhoffplatform.com

Redwood Curtain CopWatch signed onto this letter on December 28, 2008

Letter of Support for Prisoners On Strike! from Redwood Curtain CopWatch and PARC

Open Letter re Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez: Expel him from EPD

 March 2, 2009 PDF LETTER Redwood Curtain CopWatch

 

REDWOOD CURTAIN COPWATCH

(707)633-4493
CopWatchrwc@riseup.net
March 2, 2009

 

Open Letter To Eureka Police Chief Garr Nielsen,
Eureka City Council members,
Eureka Mayor, and
Eureka City Attorney, Sheryl Schaffner:

Re: EPD Sergeant Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez

It is with great despair and anger that we write this letter about yet another instance of Eureka Police Department [EPD] Officer Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez terrorizing members of our community.  Redwood Curtain CopWatch received reports from several youth that on or about August 17, 2008, Sanchez entered a supervised teen center, holding a large gun with his finger on the trigger, thus creating an intimidating presence and invading the space and personal safety of at least 15 young people and staff.

Redwood Curtain CopWatch was informed that someone at the teen center accidentally set off the "panic alarm" which sent an alert to EPD.  Prior to Sanchez and other EPD officers arriving at the teen center in Eureka, center staff was contacted by EPD. The teen center staff informed the police department that everything was fine; that the alarm was set off by accident.  In spite of the clarifying phone call, Sanchez came to the front door; gun in hand, while 2 or 3 other officers encroached upon the teen center through the large back garden space, as if the building needed to be surrounded. 

According to the young witnesses with whom we spoke, the long-time director of the teen center spoke with Sanchez when he arrived at the door, and she again informed him that there was no problem, or reason for alarm. When the director went to retrieve ID (demanded by Sanchez), Sanchez entered the building and walked up the stairs, visibly parading his large gun with his finger on the trigger, knocking the weapon on the stair railing ominously as he ascended.

These actions not only represent a violation of trust, but a clear danger to constitutional rights of community members. The center has a well-posted policy which prohibits people over the age of 21 from entering without permission. Presumably, the intent of the policy is to maintain and ensure a SAFE SPACE for youth who come from a myriad of circumstances. Youth in the center were frightened, taken by surprise, and felt invaded. Judging from the description we received, which coincides with common descriptions of civilian encounters with Sanchez, Sanchez displayed unfounded hostility through his facial expressions and actions. He wholly defiled the notion of “safety” that has been maintained in the teen center for many years. Sanchez and the accompanying officers (names unknown to us) have, once again, traumatized more members of our community. The officers violated the safety and arguably the constitutional rights of all the people working and/or finding refuge and security in the teen center. Despite the lack of a warrant, or verbal/written permission, or explainable cause, and after it was specifically communicated that there was no danger present, Officer Sanchez burst, armed, into the teen center- putting the safety and security of all present at risk.

We are grateful that no one was physically hurt as a result of Sanchez' conduct. However, we know that had someone been physically injured, or killed, by Sanchez' carelessness and militarized presence, Sanchez, EPD, the City of Eureka, and the DA would scramble to blame the innocent victims.

This incident underscores the history of violence endemic within Humboldt County law enforcement. On the heels of the deaths of Christopher Burgess, Martin Cotton, Peter Stewart, and others, this incident suggests a poisonous politic within the departments. Not only are police officers running rampant, void of self-discipline and having no regard for safety and sensitivity, there is also a total lack of supervision and an unwillingness to hold officers accountable for acts of violence. Redwood Curtain CopWatch knows that Sanchez is dangerously and criminally disposed to abusing his authority and inflicting trauma, as described herein, whenever he finds an opportunity. It is an understatement for us to point out how unfortunate it is for the people of Eureka (and other local constituencies) that Sanchez remains armed and on the streets; it is clear he does so primarily due to the inaction and refusal by the City of Eureka and its police chief(s) to protect the public.

Many who suffer from Sanchez' and other EPD officers' intimidation tactics and cruelty are reluctant to speak up about their experiences, fearful of retaliation by the officers (and complicit government officials) who exhibit flagrant disregard for the law, human rights, and the liberty for each of us to live without fear of violent invasion against our bodies and mental well-being.  Given the legacy of the Eureka Police Department, victims of Sanchez' unchecked bullying are justified in their fear of further attacks if they publicly expose him and his abhorrent behavior. 

Retaliation by police officers is against the law. Despite this fact, criticism and complaints of local police behavior have been met with abuse, imprisonment, and police harassment.

 

Individuals who have witnessed or been victim to EPD abuse have been threatened, injured, imprisoned, and/or suffered from “mysterious” deaths or disappearances from our community, so that they cannot make their experiences publicly known.

 

Public scrutiny is necessary to prevent retaliations. It is vital that our community take note of dubious police interactions, be aware of rogue officers, and pay special attention to anyone who is being targeted by the police.

We insist that you take seriously our well-informed notice that retaliation has already occurred, and that you stay aware and take rigorous measures to prevent it from occurring in the future.

We demand that Sanchez be immediately prohibited from responding to incidents where youth are present, and from engaging with young people at time in his official capacity.

Moreover, we hereby call for the immediate initiation of the procedural expulsion of Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez from the Eureka Police Department.

IN TRUE DEFENSE OF THE PEOPLE,

Redwood Curtain CopWatch

 

cc:  Human Rights Commission, Humboldt County
Civil Liberties Monitoring Project (CLMP)
Jay Moller, Attorney at Law
Humboldt County District Attorney, Paul Gallegos
Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
Office of the Attorney General, Jerry Brown

Attachment	Size
Open Letter re Sanchez, March 2, 2009.pdf	140.7 KB

Open Letter to Humboldt D.A. Paul Gallegos Regarding RACIAL PROFILING, Requesting a Meeting

October 27, 2010

Re:  Open Letter About Racial Profiling Incident

Dear Mr. Gallegos,

    We are writing in regards to a serious issue of police misconduct that occurred in September of this year and we believe represents an appalling pattern by the Arcata Police Department. Specifically, we are alarmed by the treatment that “Rosa”*  endured as she was the victim of racial profiling and intimidation by the Arcata Police officers, subsequent to her witnessing them conducting an arrest. Her observation of  the police's violent treatment of another person resulted in the officers targeting and harassing her, and arresting her without cause or due process. This woman, our friend, is a petite, middle-aged woman of color. She is well known in the community as a hardworking person and a caring mother and grandmother. Given her reputation, any circumstances that would lead to an arrest seem highly unlikely and indicate some other motive.

    In late September, Rosa witnessed what appeared to her to be aggressive behavior by Arcata Police officers toward another person.  Moments later, although she was only on a sidewalk and not driving a vehicle, all but one of the same officers whom she had observed, stopped her and arrested her for violations of the California Vehicle Code, including driving without a license and driving under the influence of alcohol. During the arrest, the officers forced her to submit to field sobriety tests including several chemical breathalyzer tests while still in the street, and a blood test after taking her to the hospital. When she informed the hospital staff that the handcuffs were injuring her, the officers made them tighter. The officers wrote on her arrest release papers, or Agreement to Appear, that in addition to vehicle code violations, she had also been arrested for giving false identification information.

    Rosa chose to remain silent, except to repeatedly state that if she was being arrested she wanted her rights told to her and to be allowed a phone call, while the officers questioned and made harassing remarks to her.  Arcata Police officers not only profiled her, but they also threatened her while she was remaining silent.  Rosa reported to us that the Arcata police psychologically abused her throughout their entire encounter, which lasted about two hours.  The words that the officers said to Rosa, from the moment they approached her to when they had her in the jail, made it clear that they were targeting her based on her race.  The abuse included the officers sitting her on the floor of the jail where they harangued her about [what they perceived to be] her ethnicity. In addition to requesting that her rights  be observed throughout the entire ordeal with the Arcata Police, during her four hours in the jail cell, Rosa requested (into the camera) a phone call.   At no time while in custody of the Arcata Police or the Humboldt County Correctional Officers was her request granted. An hour after she was finally fingerprinted in the jail, the Correctional Officers released her saying, “Now you can make a phone call.”

    We are aware of a growing trend of racial profiling by local police.  Specifically, in Arcata, we are aware of multiple instances wherein police officers have targeted women of color (who were, for instance, walking though a parking lot) and then committed violent and humiliating acts against them. Unfortunately, many people targeted by the Arcata and Eureka police departments quietly suffer police misconduct, which has become increasingly common and normalized, rather than contest it legally or otherwise. We are aware that Humboldt County's adoption in August of 2010 of the Department of Homeland Security's egregious “Secure Communities Program” encourages officers toward increased racial profiling.  

    We are bringing this serious violation against Rosa and the attitude and behavior of local officers to your attention in order that this specific circumstance and the pattern of racial profiling, more generally, begin to be remedied. In that regard, we request a meeting with you before November 2, 2010 to discuss appropriate action regarding the circumstance of Rosa's situation.   It is our hope that, at a minimum, your office will decline to charge Rosa with anything. Her rights have already been violated based on the color of her skin. Your office need not sanction and condone racial profiling nor make the indignity she has endured any worse by pursuing charges that are the result of serious misconduct and deception by local officers.

    Those of us from Redwood Curtain CopWatch, in addition to other concerned members of the public, would like to hear from your office immediately as to the time and day you are available to meet about this particular situation. Please call the Redwood Curtain CopWatch number at (707) 633-4493.

Sincerely,

Redwood Curtain CopWatch

cc:  Civil Liberties Monitoring Project
      Civil Liberties Defense Center
      Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
      Humboldt County Human Rights Commission
      American Civil Liberties Union, Northern California
      Rights Working Group

Attachment	Size
OpenLetter_Gallegos10.27.10.pdf	120.93 KB

Open Letter to Humboldt District Attorney Gallegos: Return Our CopWatch Cameras!

Sent via email and personal delivery
April 5, 2010

Open Letter to Paul Gallegos,

On Monday, March 15, 2010, Mr. Ray Thompson and I were arrested while on CopWatch patrol.  CopWatch patrol means that a small group of us were out with video cameras, papers and pens, handouts with CopWatch and Know-Your-Rights information, and watchful eyes and ears- to observe the police as they interact with other members of the public.  Both Mr. Thompson and I are experienced observers and also well-versed in constitutional rights.  As you know, observing and filming police activity in public is constitutionally protected activity.  Although we encourage all people to stop, observe, and if possible film police anytime they see them interacting with the public, when we are 'on patrol,' those of us representing Redwood Curtain CopWatch wear visible patches that read “CopWatch.”  Redwood Curtain CopWatch  does not interfere with officers; we simply observe and document.  Our reputation confirms that.

 

On the evening of March 15, 2010, we were arrested by Humboldt County Sheriff Deputy J. Marsh on Broadway in Eureka simply because he was not accustomed to and was very disturbedat the idea of being filmed by members of the public-he did not want to be watched and filmed.  He made that clear, first, by being very aggressive and by yelling in a threatening tone the moment he saw us holding cameras, although we were far away from him and, second, by arresting only the two of us and not the third copwatcher who only had pen and paper.  Although now, as our Agreements to Appear reflect, Deputy Marsh would like us to be charged with a violation of Penal Code section 148 (A)(1)*, at the time, we did nothing to interfere with the officer. We did not speak to him, and we stayed at a great distance, even taking a wide circular path in the adjacent parking lot to give space to the small police scene on the sidewalk. Deputy Marsh, in fact, allowed a passer-by (without a camera) to go much closer to the police scene than we ever were.  Deputy Marsh had no cause to arrest Mr. Thompson and me.  Heactually approached meand demanded  I identify myself (and later did the same with Mr. Thompson).  He then grabbed the copwatch camera, turned it toward me, demanded again that I identify myself, then told me I was being arrested for refusing to do so.

 

At the jail, we were booked and released the next calendar day, March 16, 2010.  Deputy Marsh had, of course, seized our cameras and told us they would be held for evidence. 

 

These were clearly false arrests intended to chill our constitutional right to observe and film the police.  Given the excess of force that the local police regularly use and the consistent intimidation and violations of peoples' rights by the police, Redwood Curtain CopWatch is appreciated by the public. CopWatch is critical in: preventing police violence; empowering the community to pay attention; overcoming the extreme fear caused by police presence; and bringing our community closer to your purported, but selectively applied goal and motto-  “justice for all.”  

 

We are aware that Deputy Marsh's understanding is that our cameras will be held until our case, if you choose to bring one against us, is finished.  The holding of our cameras is an extension of  his blatant effort to prohibit us from exercising the constitutionally protected activities of observing and recording the police- activities which are a service to the community. We are willing to bring you the appropriate chords and technology for your office to retrieve the video fromthe cameras, but we want the cameras returned to us immediately.  The cameras themselves are notevidence of what happened- the video on the tape and disc are

 

I have been making phone calls to your office for more than two weeks, explaining in messages that I need to talk with you regarding a time sensitivematter.  You have failed to return any of my calls.  According to one of the receptionists in your office, the police report from Deputy Marsh did not arrive until almost three weeks after our arrests. 

 

The cameras need to be returned with no delay.  (It has already been 3 weeks too long).  We are sure many of the voting public will agree with us on this.  In order for us to arrange for me to come pick up the cameras, please reply to this email or call me at the PARC office on Monday, April 5, 2010 at the number I have left for you numerous times: (707) 442-7465. Thank you, in advance, for responding in a timely manner.

 

Sincerely,

 

/s/______________

Kimberly Starr

 

*Penal Code section 148 (a)(1): Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing Officer: Every person who willfully resists, delays, or obstructs any public officer, peace officer ... in the discharge or attempt to discharge any duty of his or her office or employment, when no other punishment is prescribed, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

Open Letter: EPD's Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez threatens to kill!

March 23, 2010
Open Letter To Eureka Police Chief Garr Nielsen and all entities listed below:

It is unfortunate that we must write to you again about yet another series of violent incidences, one of many, wherein Eureka Police Officer Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez is targeting, physically abusing, and threatening the life of a vulnerable Eureka resident. The City's lack of response to any of our prior letters and its failure, to date, to expel dangerous officers such as Sanchez from the police force exhibits your unwillingness to protect the people of Eureka. However, with this explicit notice of severe threats and abuse by Sanchez against a specific person, you have a moral and legal obligation to take whatever actions to prevent further abuse or even murder by Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez.

 

We learned about a year ago that Sanchez had blatantly threatened to kill Shawn “Rutherford” Hill. “I'll shoot you in the back of the head” were the words Sanchez used. Sanchez has since made such explicit threats on at least two more occasions. Sanchez has told Shawn that “you are a piece of shit because you do heroin”, that “no one will know or care if I kill you, “if you have a seizure tonight- and I know where you sleep- I'll shoot you.”

 

Many times during the day, Sanchez will see Shawn and tell him to “move on”, whether he be standing on a corner or sitting on a public bench. Sanchez will also often demand identification from Shawn and put him in handcuffs, although on those frequent occasions, Sanchez is neither in the process of ticketing Shawn nor is he investigating a crime. Shawn, who is a lifetime resident of this area, is houseless; so he is very vulnerable, having no walls to cover with, to this harassment and danger from Sanchez.

 

On or about March 11, 2010, Officer Sanchez threw Shawn off the back ledge behind the library. He also threatened Shawn, referencing the Derringer packed in his [Sanchez'] ankle. With other officers behind him (names unknown to us), Sanchez pointed his gun at Shawn and told him “You even move, speak, fart, or anything, I'll shoot you in the back of the head, stupid.” That makes twice that Sanchez has pointed a gun at Shawn. In every instance wherein Sanchez approaches Shawn, Shawn is doing nothing violent, saying nothing violent, and doing nothing to harm another.

 

Some months ago, Shawn watched Sanchez and another officer, at about 5 or 6 am, cut up his survival gear - sleeping bag, clothes, and blankets- behind the library.

 

Sanchez has ordered Shawn to get in his patrol car and driven him both ways over the Samoa bridge, speaking so to intimidate Shawn, then dropping him off back in Eureka.

 

Sanchez recently kicked Shawn in the head while he was sleeping (on public property).

 

Neither Shawn's act of sleeping in hidden public areas, which he is forced to do due to his status as houseless, nor his substance addiction issues pose a threat to Sanchez. Shawn is not hurting another person, and has never threatened Sanchez verbally or otherwise. Indeed, Sanchez has Shawn extremely scared. So much so, Shawn now checks in with Redwood Curtain CopWatch every day so that we know that he is alive. Over the past two weeks, there have been two instances at night- one in which Sanchez physically abused Shawn, and the other, wherein Sanchez, again, verbally threatened Shawn with further violence or death.

 

We have not seen Shawn since Saturday. Hopefully, he has found a safe haven, out of danger from your viscous and murderous police. It is horrible and unacceptable for our community to have to worry, due to police violence and threats to kill, when we have not seen some one, and it is despicable that your officers, Sanchez being one of the worst, target the most vulnerable people.

 

As we have reminded you before, several of the young men who were killed by Eureka Police Department had prior awareness and had expressed to others that the police were going to kill them. You are now on notice about Shawn.

 

We do not want Shawn “Rutherford” Hill harmed AT ALL by Sanchez or any other officer.  If Shawn is not in contact with us for a long period of time or is found dead or seriously injured, we will have every reason to suspect Sgt. Sanchez (or someone acting on behalf of him, EPD, or other local "law enforcement.").  That being said, we much prefer that you (and each entity to which this letter is going) protect Shawn and prevent the anticipated violence against him.

 

Sanchez' abuse and threats against Shawn are ILLEGAL. As is any retaliation for this or other complaints.

 

Once again, and in light of the recent shooting (in the head!), we implore you to EXPEL RODRIGO REYNA-SANCHEZ from the Eureka Police Department.

 

Sincerely,

 

Redwood Curtain CopWatch

 

 

cc: Civil Liberties Monitoring Project

Civil Liberties Defense Center

Humboldt County Human Rights Commission

Ms. Susie VanKirk

Eureka Times-Standard

Humboldt County Public Defender

Humboldt County Conflict Counsel

Humboldt County Alternate Conflict Counsel

National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty

    Eureka Times-Standard

    North Coast Journal

    Humboldt State Lumberjack Newspaper

    Greenfuse Publication

 

 

 

 

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POLICE STATE And Yet Another Reason to SAVE RICHARDSON GROVE

 You may ask, "What does saving the grove have to do with the police state?"....well....lets start from the beginning... The Interstate Highways were initially implemented by Eisenhower. How did he come up with the idea of these interstate highways? He got his grandiose plan from an army convoy he participated in, and from inspirations he got from Germany's autobahn, which he got to see because he was in the military during WWII. The history of the highways are rooted in militarization. Eisenhower's plan for the highways was even named "The National Defense Highway", this system was designed to move military equipment and personnel with greater efficiency and create a broader reach for the military.

Why would CalTrans, with a plan funded by the Federal government in millions (billions?), change a road that leads to no real commercial businesses, while claiming it is to aide in heavy commercial transportation? Why would CalTrans destroy ancient redwoods, of which there are so few left already (less than 3%of the original redwood old growth remains!!!) ? Why would CalTrans not care about the legislation of preservation for State Parks, and not care about the fragile ecology of this rich biodiverse life?

The feds want in to our Redwood Curtain! The Pacific Northwest culture of coastal northern, redwooded California has consistently been a hotbed of grassroots collective organization, spurring change that is both reflective and inspiring to movements across our State and Nationwide. We have continuously thwarted attempts at the militarization of our communities and have had the forested roads as a blockage to massive industrial militarization, and as a bottleneck for access to the rest of the coast. The feds are consistently trying to access our roads, gain entryway into our hills and stop whatever communities spurrin' up that do not fit with their accordance. They disguise their plan under the veil of helping commercial interests, which is problematic, to say the least, for communities that have intentionally and geographically isolated themselves from corporate exploitation. This in itself is catering to the big money, big corporations. Looking through history we have seen the use of sanctioned state violence to protect corporate holdings, such as with the barons of the industrial age. Big Corporations have no vested interest in a region locally or geographically. Their concern is for their ever increasing profit, and making sure their gains are consistently on the up. Redwood trees stand in their way, so they propose to cut them down, pave the ancient ones' roots, so that trucks can constantly drive over them (when even our own fragile FOOTsteps have been known to be damaging to their root systems). The trees that stand in the way of big corporate gains are symbolic, the State would rather destroy these ancient legends down, irregardless of their natural worth, their beauty, or their genocide. What happens when people get in their way???? The project, even its disguise, is a disgusting attempt at destroying what we naturally have.

Cal Trans is already “straightening” out the two main highways to our east, Highways. 199 and 299, making them Redwood Curtain more easily to invade from that direction. Obama is increasing collaboration between Homeland Security and local police. Be it the greed of corporate exploiters, the controlling forces of Federal police (ICE, DEA, FBI), or the tanks of the Military trying to come into this region or have easier passage through, Richardson Grove, as it is and has been for thousands of years, is a primary blockade that we must protect. NO BUSTING THROUGH THE REDWOOD CURTAIN FOR MILITARIZATION!

 

Written by Redwood Curtain CopWatch in October, 2010 to be included in the Zine for the 2010 Days of Action Against Police Brutality, Repression, and the Criminalization of a Generation.

 

Links, Save Richardson Grove:

InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council, Protecting Richardson Grove Statement of Purpose

SaveRichardsonGrove.blogspot.com

Here Before the Prophets photo

Environmental Protection Information Center [EPIC]

SaveRichardsonGrove.org

Facebook, Save Richardson Grove

Spotlight on Sanchez; Dec 20, 2008 Letter from CopWatch

Spotlight on Sanchez; Urgent Need to Contol Your Officers
 
December 20, 2008
 
To Chief Garr Nielson and all entities listed below:
 
It has come to our attention that Eureka Police Department Sergeant Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez has put the word out that he is after a man named Eric Stauffer with intentions to do him great harm.  Mr. Stauffer, his friends, and we at Redwood Curtain CopWatch take the "word on the street" very seriously, especially in light of past and ongoing targeting and violent actions by Sgt. Sanchez and other members of the Eureka Police Department.  Several of the young men who were killed by Eureka Police Department had prior awareness and had expressed to others that the police were going to kill them. We do not talk about killings or other violence lightly; we know, however, from continuous community input and from our own experiences, that EPD officers do not hesitate to abuse, intimidate, harm, and kill civilians, especially people who are homeless, indigenous, or of color.  Eureka Police do this illegal abuse and present this violent example on a regular basis, Sgt. Sanchez being one of the most abusive and violent. Mr. Stauffer is houseless and therefore quite vulnerable.  This letter is to specifically express our concern for Mr. Stauffer's well-being.  We do not want him harmed by Sanchez or any other officer.  This letter should serve as a warning and a heads-up in the event that Mr. Stauffer disappears or is found dead or seriously injured.  We will have every reason to suspect Sgt. Sanchez (or someone acting on behalf of him, EPD, or other local "law enforcement.")  That being said, we much prefer that you (and each entity to which this letter is going) protect Mr. Stauffer and prevent the anticipated violence against him. Sincerely, Redwood Curtain CopWatch
 
 
cc: Eureka City Council
Eureka City Attorney, Sheryl Schaffner
Humboldt County Sheriff, Gary Philp
Humboldt County District Attorney, Paul Gallegos
Humboldt Human Rights Commission
Civil Liberties Monitoring Project
Peoples' Action for Rights and Community
Humboldt County Public Defender, Kevin Robinson
California Attorney General, Jerry Brown

virginia@ci.eureka.ca.gov mowen@earthlink.net lglass@ci.eureka.ca.gov lglass@foggy.net jleonard@ci.eureka.ca.gov mjones@ci.eureka.ca.gov jrsmith@co.humboldt.ca.us jwoolley@co.humboldt.ca.us bonnie.neeley@co.humboldt.ca.us jill.geist@co.humboldt.ca.us districtattorney@co.humboldt.ca.us pgallegos@co.humboldt.ca.us sschaffner@ci.eureka.ca.gov latkins@ci.eureka.ca.gov fjager@ci.eureka.ca.gov jrodoni@co.humboldt.ca.us jwoolley@co.humboldt.ca.us mlovelace@co.humboldt.ca.us sheds@humboldt1.com cityclerk@ci.eureka.ca.gov committee@clendenenforsupervisor.com manager@clendenenforsupervisor.com info@humboldthumanrights.org parc@inbox.com clmp@civilliberties.org [Atttorney General uses an online form]

Yet ANOTHER Open Letter Regarding Psychotic and Dangerous Eureka Cop: Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez

July 6, 2010  2:58am

Open Letter To Eureka Police Chief Garr Nielsen, Eureka City Council members, Eureka Mayor,
Eureka City Attorney, Sheryl Schaffner:

Re: EPD Sergeant Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez punches a young man in the side of the head and threatens teenage witness if he testifies to seeing the punch

On June 26, 2010, Eureka Police Department Sergeant Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez, accompanied by two other EPD Officers, including Adam Laird, (the third officer's name is unknown to us at this time) surrounded several young people who were cleaning their friend's vehicle (The vehicle's owner, David Teague, was present). Sanchez immediately questioned the young people, although they were breaking no laws, demanding they identify themselves. After Tony Hughes identified himself (apparently he had a warrant), Sanchez PUNCHED HIM IN THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD, knocking him to the ground. Sanchez then turned to David Teague, a minor, and told him that if he [David] testifies that Sanchez punched Tony, Sanchez will have David's vehicle towed away. David Teague looked to see the name on Sanchez' officer uniform, and Sanchez threatened him again: “Don't strain too much to see my name; it's Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez. And yes, I'm the cop who rapes, kills and throws people off a cliff, so if you know what's good for you, you won't testify that I hit him.” Sanchez arrested Tony Hughes, and has since told David Teague that he will tow his vehicle, parked legally or not, on Thursday, July 8, 2010.

 

Sound outrageous? It''s not outrageous- for Sergeant Sanchez. He abuses people physically and makes threatening, inappropriate, and ILLEGAL statements all of the time. Sanchez violates the rights of and physically injures the most vulnerable people he can get his hands on and who pose no threat to him. We are outraged that you have done NOTHING about Sanchez' criminal behavior- behavior acted out while under the auspices of the City of Eureka. You are sick people to do nothing, and you are absolutely remiss in your responsibility to your constituencies while you sanction this vile, cowardly man, Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez, to run around armed and uniformed- using his position to perpetrate violent crimes against people.

 

This is the second time since Sanchez' slaying of David Sequioa, shooting him POINT BLANK in the head, that we have been told of him boasting about the fact that he murders- and gets away with it. Sanchez has told people that he will kill them. He has threatened an entire teen center with his gun. We have reported to you several of these instances (certainly not all), and yet you continue to be complicit with Sanchez' psychotic, abusive, and illegal behavior. How dare you allow Sanchez' victims to pay his salary through tax dollars! How dare you ignore the bullying, the threats, the physical harm, and trauma Sanchez inflicts upon innocent and defenseless people. We receive hundreds of reports about Sanchez harming and blatantly threatening people-and Sanchez is consistent in his choice of vulnerable victims and overtly violent methods.

 

Do something NOW. Sanchez is a danger to our community, and he is an immediate threat to the lives of David Teague, Brandon Santiago, Jennifer Westfall, Jeffrey Sorensen, and Eric Kelley. We know that Tony Hughes is incarcerated in Humboldt County, and we know that Sanchez did not take Tony Hughes to the hospital, as required by EPD policy, after knocking him out.

 

Sanchez' behavior is despicable and ILLEGAL. As is any retaliation for this or other complaints.

THIS LETTER COMES TO YOU EARLY IN THE MORNING DUE TO THE URGENCY THAT YOU BEGIN NOW TO PROTECT THE ABOVE-LISTED PERSONS, SOME OF WHOM ARE MINORS.

 

 

PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE THIS NOTICE AND WARNING.

 

 

Expel Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez from the Eureka Police Department.

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Redwood Curtain CopWatch

 

 

 

cc: Civil Liberties Monitoring Project

Civil Liberties Defense Center

Humboldt County Human Rights Commission

Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

Humboldt County Public Defender

Humboldt County Conflict Counsel

Humboldt County Alternate Conflict Counsel

     Eureka Times-Standard

    North Coast Journal

    Humboldt State Lumberjack Newspaper

   Greenfuse Publication

 

 

 

 

 

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