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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 02231988 - S.15 S. 15 THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Adopted this Order on _February 23, 1988_, by the following vote: AYES: Supervisors Powers, Fanden, McPeak, Torlakson, Schroder NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None ------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------ SUBJECT: Impact of Protest at U. S. Naval Weapons Station on Community of Clyde Supervisor McPeak brought to the attention of the Board after the agenda was posted the status of the protest action at the Naval Weapon Station and the impact on the residents in the community of Clyde. The Board by unanimous action agreed to hear comments from interested parties and take action if needed. Don Elam, 168 Norman Avenue, Clyde, presented a petition signed by residents in Contra Costa County opposing the constant vigil of the alleged protesters at the railway crossing on Port Chicago Highway at the Naval Weapons Station in Concord and re- questing the Board of Supervisors to initiate legal proceedings to abate nuisances and/or dangers resulting from the protest activity. Mr. Elam advised that this protest activity is continuous seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and is intrusive and disruptive on the Clyde community. Chuck Goodmacher, Mt. Diablo Peace Center, 1100 Liela Avenue, No. 16, Walnut Creek, advised that he did not believe the protest action violated any laws and expressed an interest in participating in discussions with representatives of the Clyde community. Sandy Hilland, Nuremburg Actions Council, 114 Norman Avenue, Clyde, expressed concern on possible danger to residents when munitions/weapons are transported and suggested that the Navy change its shipment schedule to a time that will not present a traffic problem. Jim Davis, 142 Wellington Avenue, Clyde, spoke on the impact the protest action is having on residents getting to and leaving their homes and community, and particularly parents taking their children to school. Maxine Goodmacher, Attorney, 1721 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez, referred to the Bill of Rights which guarantees the right to protest and its application to the protest at the Naval Weapons Station. She referred to a proposed bill which would cover the cost of police service relative to protest actions and recommended that the Board support this legislation as a means of reducing the financial impact on local police agencies because of demonstrations of this type. Nune Galli, (no street address given) , Concord, advised that he believes the rights of the citizens of Clyde have been violated because of the protest activity. Julian Frazer, (no street address given) , Martinez, expressed concern with the potential of having nuclear warheads at the Weapons Station and potential danger to county residents. Ellen Danchuk, Nuremberg Actions Council, 65 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek, stated that the First Amendment guarantees her right to protest and expressed a willingness for open dialogue with the people of Clyde. David Wylie, Nuremberg Actions Council, 33 Loftus Road, Pittsburg, commented on allegations presented against the protest- ers by the residents of Clyde. He expressed the belief that the protesters are upholding American values by protesting the shipment of arms to Central America. Dorothy Martin, 317 Wellington, Clyde, commented on the need to have military bases to protect the United States of America and its territories. Cliff Martin, 317 Wellington, Clyde, advised that many of the protesters are being paid for their participation in the protest activity at the Weapons Station. Frank Behr, 313 Wellington, Clyde, spoke about the mental anguish the protest activity is causing his family. Supervisor McPeak presented a brief synopsis of the meetings with the citizens of Clyde, law enforcement agencies, representa- tives of the Navy and the protestors. She commented on the need to protect the constitutional rights of all people including the freedom of expression and the right to assemble. She stated that throughout the last few months there has been a definite impact on Clyde which needs to be addressed in some way. Supervisor McPeak then presented the following recommendations: 1. Refer all the comments and petitions to County Counsel; 2 . Direct County Counsel to submit a copy of the petitions to the Court for inclusion as a part of the court record for individuals arrested for civil disobedience at the Naval Weapons Station; and 3 . Refer this matter to the Human Relations Commission to convene a dialogue among the interested and concerned parties on what can be done to minimize the impact of the protest activity on the Clyde community. Supervisor McPeak advised that she will meet with County Counsel and the Sheriff's Department to review again what can be done. She stated that she believes there should be a limitation on some of the tables and equipment that is brought in by the pro- testers. She added that she will also be meeting with representa- tives of the Public Works Department and the Health Services Department. Board members being agreement, IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED that the recommendations of Supervisor McPeak are approved. 1 hereby cortify th?t this 13 a true and carr-c',popof an action taken and entered on the rnfrutez; of tine cc: County Counsel Board of Supervisors on the data shown. Sheriff-Coroner ATTESTED: 23-,�-1 y dp,? Public Works Director PHIL BATCH ELo bertc of the Board Health Services Director of Supervisors and County Administrator County Administrator I �=U` ,Deputy