A local Los Angeles NPR affiliate, KPCC 89.3, ran a story at 6:20pm tonight that mentioned Keith Henson's Hemet case. The story was of local origination and addressed California issues, but it came during a break in the national NPR feed, (two stations carry the NPR simultaneously in LA during this period; KPCC is the "smaller" of the two). I don't know if other California NPR affiliates carried the story as well.

The story was about a State Senate Bill, SB1796, that is now going to the Governor to sign or veto. The bill:

"...limits the penalties for specified misdemeanors (generally involving "interference" with authority) committed for purposes of political expression and that do not threaten to or actually cause physical harm to property or persons, as specified." (Read more at: http://makeashorterlink.com/?W574218A1 )

The story interviewed someone named Scott Rody (sp?) with an organization called "Just Dissent" that had apparently helped create the Bill. When asked why this law was necessary, he specifically cited as an example a case where "someone was picketing Scientology. The case started out as a simple misdemeanor, but became a case with significant jail time and fines." (Going from memory here so quote may be off. For more on Just Dissent, find them at http://www.justdissent.org/pages/3a-action.html . They mention Keith's case on the "Price of Protest" page. They anticipate resistance from the Governor and suggest ways you can help.)

If there was a twist here, it is that the Bill was authored by Richard Polanco. You may remember him as the fellow who was at the dedication of the Hubbard College of Administration some time ago.

mailto:info@justdissent.org mailto:articles@justdissent.org