"The truth, always the truth--at all costs"
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| 2158 01/23/2005 Letter of Support and Request for an Investigation Into Arrests of Jordan and Del Saavedra Rocky Neptune and Janice Jordan |
| Jan. 25, 2005 Please note: The first hearing for myself and Carly is February 11, 2005 at 12:30pm in the Misdemeanor Court in downtown San Diego. The address is 220 West Broadway. I believe San Diego IndyMedia is planning on covering the event-I hope to see some of you there! Peace & Resist, Janice Jordan Ground Zero Players Peace and Freedom Party 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 4019 Goldfinch St. San Diego, Ca 92103 (619) 687-5109 rockyneptun@yahoo.com 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 |
