[Peace-discuss] Saturday, right of way and eavesdropping

[Susan Davis]

Hi all --

we have a demo on prospect this Sat and I thought you might use the 
following info.

The new right of way in front of Tires plus extends 4-5-6 feet south 
towards Tires Plus, behind the new sidewalk. It's essentially in line with 
the trees. No way should anyone try to tell us that that patch of the grass 
belongs to a private owner.  It's a narrow strip, unacceptably so, but it 
doesn't belong to them.  We can answer the police knowledgeably if it comes 
up again.

On the other hand, that area is still a mess from construction, so be 
prepared to choose another corner.  Somehow, to my eyes, it looks like the 
Tires Plus right of way area has become lower, less of a rise, and so 
perhaps less safe.  Check it out.

As for the eavesdropping statute, it's still confusing. City Attorney 
Hooker writes that he "wants to get a better handle on it." (And he'll get 
back to us.) Do note that in the last week the NG has run stories and an 
editorial concerning the Black community's attempts to tape police 
interactions, and police objections to that via the "eavesdropping 
statute."  I would say that, for now, it would be prudent for anybody 
videotaping to step back a reasonable distance from a discussion between a 
citizen and an officer IF REQUESTED TO DO SO by either party. On the other 
hand, if you think something needs documenting, I would not be intimidated 
from documenting it.

Hope this helps

Susan