"At this meeting the police were a hostile presence and their suggestions were not meant to be helpful."

Indeed? But Rico, a person who appears to have actually been there seemed to say rather the opposite. While I don't think he approved of their covert presence, he said they weren't disruptful and actually made a helpful comment regarding the inclusion of the Surfrider Foundation (if I recall correctly).

Were you at the meeting as well, and can provide evidence of hostile behavior?