In light of the current police actions against the homeless in Humboldt County, which has involved some confusing statements by the police and others in authority, we are posting this photographic timeline of the events of the dismantling of the Occupy Protest in Eureka. The timeline reveals patterns of deception, confusing language from the County and the City, and outright violations of Civil Rights, all culminating with the infamous Urgency Ordinance. It might be the right thing to do, to compare these two municipal actions. Created by Janelle Egger.
J. Decker photo
October
8, 2011-
People
began to gather.
Oct
18-
Open letter emailed to County: “Occupy Eureka… has been and will
continue to exercise its rights of expression and assembly. We
appreciate your continued respect…”
Oct
20-
County received letter that requested the county allow Occupy Eureka
to install a portable toilet.
Oct
25-
Letter from County Administrative Officer, “We request that you
immediately take down the tents and cease camping.”
Oct
28, 2011-
New sign
J. Decker photo
Oct.
31, 2011- 4
pm email from CAO, “Supervisors: There will be NO movement against
the Occupy Eureka camp this evening. I can provide details in person,
this afternoon or tomorrow.”
J. Decker photo
Nov
2- Email:
“The County is requesting that the Eureka Police Department enforce
Eureka Municipal Code (and applicable Penal Code sections) related to
camping…”
Nov
7, 2011 -
Screenshot from KIEM’s
“Early
Morning Raid”
Humboldt County photo
Nov
14, 2011-
disassembled
again in early morning
Mark Sailors photo
Nov
15-
EPD memo states “Occupy Eureka may erect one (1) temporary shelter
in a pre-designated area…must be of the type referred to as a
pop-up canopy.” This was “contingent upon… strict adherence”
with ten “non-negotiable conditions.”
Nov
17-
Email from County Adm. Officer, “We are getting multiple requests
from Occupy groups…”
-
Response from Sheriff Downey, “…we do not wish to go down the
path of allowing them to return... Stay the course.”
Nov
30, 2011- about
2pm
J. Decker photo
Nov
30, 2011- about
4pm
J. Egger photo
Dec
2-
County posted memo from Risk Management placing restrictions on
protest activities, including no camping, no structures, and no
attaching objects to County property.
Dec
17, 2011- 3pm,
new kiosk canopy
N. Wade photo
Dec.
17-
silent visitors
silent visitors
9:30pm,
signs taken
11:30pm,
end of last shelter
J. Egger photo
Dec
27, 2011-
Feb
3, 2012
Guarding
the fence from signs
J. Decker photo
Feb
5-
District Attorney met with six people affiliated with Occupy; agreed
to review Penal Code regarding signs.
Feb
13-
Chief Harpham, email: “Eureka Police Officers will no longer enforce
Penal Code section 602(f) at the Court House (attaching signs to the
fence…)” States that they will continue to respond to all
complaints.
March
6-
District Attorney released Prosecution
Guidelines,
which state that until there is case law that applies, Penal Code
602(f) should not be charged for affixing signs associated with the
freedom of speech, assembly and petition.
March
8-
Sheriff email: “…suspending all efforts to do anything with the
continued assault on the courthouse… due to DA action.” Later
tells reporter, “The public needs to give direction to the Board of
Supervisors.”
March
20-
Board of Supervisors directed County Counsel to “generate language
for an alternative interim ordinance dealing with health and safety
issues associated with activities on Courthouse Property.”
March 21, 2012-
March 21, 2012-
J. Egger photo
March
27-
Board of Supervisors passed "Urgency Ordinance" immediately
adding Chapter 2.5 to the Humboldt County Code. It includes
restrictions on signs, shelter, food, tables and other personal
property, and presence in front of the Courthouse.
March
28, 2012-
New
codes enforced.
Andrew Goff photo
J. Egger photo
