To: Paul Gallegos, Humboldt County, CA District Attorney and Mike Downey, Humboldt County Commanding Sheriff
Stop Harassing Humboldt Occupiers
We, the undersigned, believe that we as citizens have a right to assemble and occupy public spaces which our taxes have funded. We believe that a chainlink fence erected to prohibit the public from exercising this right is not a successful image for promoting tourism here in redwood country. We also believe that those who are courageous, selfless, and dedicated leaders should not be subject to violence, harassment, and arrest.
Why is this important?
In Eureka, California, a chain link fence has been erected around the lawn of the County Courthouse to keep the public out. Leaders have been targeted and arrested repeatedly Without cause for merely being present in an effort to end the occupation of this central public space. Violence has been used by law enforcement resulting in physical injuries resulting in broken ribs and head injuries. Personal and community property has been seized and destroyed-- everything from pop-up canopies, a library of resource materials to homeless persons winter survival gear.