The planter in question is in front of the Pacific Trading Company, the Costa Brava Restaurant, and Rosie McCann's at Walnut and Pacific on Pacific Avenue.

Moments we arrived around 2:15 p.m., the Pacific Trading Company called the police to complain we were "blocking the sidewalk." Since we were not, we declined to move.

Police Officer Wendy Bines, on her own initiative after going to City Attorney John Barisone, then threatened to give me a $162 ticket unless I moved at least 100' away under the Rotkins-Matthew "Move Along" law which requires political tablers to move every hour and not return for twenty-four.

I moved up the street to Borders and a second group of activists set up their table in the spot I'd left and began circulating an identical petition. They were threatened with a ticket after 60 minutes.

Those interested in merry-go-round tabling and/or going to jail to challenge the latest "petition to restore public space, get hassled" city council law, contact HUFF at 423-HUFF.

To help with tabling on Thursday June 5th or Friday June 6th, contact Becky Johnson at 429-8529. The removal of the fence is due to begin June 6th, according to Assistant City Manager Martin Bernal.