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Dear District Attorney Bonnie Dumamis:
As an elected member of San Diego city government,
(the mid-city planning board), I not only have a
measure of credibility with my neighbors in City
Heights who elected me; but with the board as well,
which unaimously elected me treasurer.
Now, as a journalist (former newspaper reporter for
the Herald-News) and as a former editor; I was at the
January 20th Counter-Inguration demonstration as a
working writer (I am working on a book about San
Diego). I saw the arrest of Carly Delso-Saavedra
but wasn't close enough to know she was working as a
journalist; although at the time it angered me that
all she was doing was taking photographs when she was
attacked, As a veteran reporter, covering
demonstrations for over 30 years, I can spot bully
cops on the line, iching to make examples of the
slower or weaker ones, a mile away and stay clear of
them while taking photos. I did manage to get two
photos of her brutal arrest.
It is an outrage that the San Diego Union-Tribune's
staff-writer, Michael Stetz, was allowed through
police lines to photograph an arrest - close enough a
flash probably wasn't needed. You can see the photo on
the second page of the City Edition section of the
paper for January 21, 2005.
If we are to protect the freedom of the press as
outlined in the Constitution; that right must extend
to all the press - not just the wealthy Corporate
Press.
There are organizations in the U.S. and world
dedicated to protecting the rights of journalists.
Hopefully, we will not have to take this case to them.
Now, on the other arrest; that of Janice Jordan,
what can I say.....I did not see her arrest. If I had,
I would have joined her in handcuffs. She is a dear
friend. We have shared a mat otside city hall on the
cold pavement as we vigiled for a shelter for the
homeless. I have watched in awe as she has helped many
women who were former inmates readjust to the streets
as a volunteer while she raised an incredible decent,
intelligent daughter who also cares about the weak and
vulnerable in our society. I proudly voted for her
when she ran for mayor. And, finally, and most
importantly, I know that she is not a confrontational
person; its not part of the goodness of her heart.
Take it from someone who has been in the biggies
(Chicago,1968 - Washington, D.C. 1969), the San Diego
cops were spooked January 20th and over-reacted. It's
that simple.
Thanks for your consideration for these fine two
people who's work and consciences led them to be there
that night.
Sincerely,
Rocky Neptun
Treasurer, City Heights Area Planning Committee
Assist. Treasurer, the Affordable Housing Coalition of
San Diego County
Member, Peace and Justice Committtee, San Diego
Friends(Quaker) Meeting
Member, Grant Making Committee, San Diego Foundation
for Change
Member, National Association of Gay and Lesbian
Journalists
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